Vigne Franche

Trader JoesTJ TuesdayWhite WinesSouvignier Gris
Written By Catherine Courtney

2024 Vigne Franche

GRAPES: Souvignier Gris

VINTAGE: 2024

REGION: France

ALCOHOL PERCENTAGE: 12.5%

PRICE: $9.99

Bonjour, amateurs de vin!

Yes, I am absolutely delusional and doing the absolute most to keep the French spirit alive a little longer… at least until I leave for London.

During my most recent trip to Trader Joe’s, I spotted a bottle of wine that I’ve never seen before: 2024 Vigne Franche. I’m always interested in the distinctive features and creative touches that wine producers add to make their bottles stand out on the shelf of table. First, the label grabbed my attention. I loved the use of color and the font was unlike anything that I’d seen before. Next, the grape: Souvignier Gris. I’ve consummed a lot of wine over the years but this was a new grape varietal to explore. Last, the closure detail. The top of the bottle was seaked with this beautiful yellow wax that complimented the label just perfectly. Without hesitation, I grabbed a bottle and made my way down the rest of the wine aisle.

I’m going to go out on a limb and assume that I am not the only one who is unfamiliar with Souvignier Gris. So, let’s have a little grape lesson, shall we?

Souvignier Gris might not be a household name yet, but it’s one of those grapes that’s quietly changing the future of wine. It was born in Germany in the 1980s, created by scientists who wanted a grape that could handle harsh weather and resist common vine disease withut needing a lot of chemicals. The result was a strong, reliable grape that grows beautifully in coller places like German, Switzerland, Austria and even parts of the UK and northern Italy. It’s quickly becoming a favorite among winemakers who care about sustainability and letting nature do more of the work.

After enjoying a glass or two, this is a wine that would pair well with a creamy pasta topped with lots of parmesean cheese or a roasted chicken dish with mashed potatos and au jus. And if you’re not really into cooking, it would be perfect for a girl’s night with cheese and charcuterie boards.

Tasting Notes:

  • Golden yellow hue

  • Notes of apple, peach and suble pear throughout

  • Medium body with solid acidity

  • Falls on the drier end of the spectrum

Verdict

I’m intrigued. Since this is my first time enjoying Souvignier Gris, I found it to be an interesting, yet complex grape. I’d love try other expressions of grape and gain a better understanding of it. Overall, I found it to be a pleasant wine, one that I would definitley gravitate towards more in the warmers months, but found it really enjoyable. If you happen to grab this bottle next time you are at Trader Joe’s, let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

Until Next Time!

Catherine Courtney

Welcome to Blonde Voyage Nashville!

I am so excited to finally see this dream become a reality.  Between the destination restaurants, the copious amount of food photos and insanely crazy travel stories, I have decided to share my journey. 

My name is Catherine Courtney and I am a Nashville native with a penchant for culinary creativity and epic travel adventures. I'll admit... I also have a slight obsession with handbags.

Two years ago, my life changed completely.  Everything that I knew to be was completely turned upside down.  I quickly realized that time is our greatest commodity and it's not to be taken for granted. I couldn't wait for the perfect time, who knew when that would be.  I needed to take the leap and explore the world on my own.  There were so many places I wanted to go, but where would I start. 

France was always one of those places that I had romanticized.  Wandering the streets of Paris and seeing the Eiffel tower were at the top of my list. Without hesitation, I booked a two week trip to the French Rivera and Paris.  It was a journey of a lifetime.  Not only were amazing friendships cultivated, but it was on that trip that i discovered that food and travel are the embers that that keep my soul on fire. 

It wasn't until I arrived back in Nashville with my passport that I realized I had been bit. Wanderlust had completely taken over.  I already started thinking about where I wanted to go next.  It was then that I decided that it was more important to have camera full of photos and a tattered journal full of stories than anything else. My heart was overflowing.

One of my favorite quotes that resonates is from Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland:

"Actually, the best gift you could have given her was a lifetime of adventures...."

Join me as I explore near and far away places, filling my passport full of stamps and satiating my appetite with some of the most amazing cuisine the world has to offer. 

Thanks for reading! 

       

 

 

http://blondevoyagenashville.com
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