Loire Valley Red Wines

[Scoop]

Since you are posting from NY, head to Garnet (68th & Lexington), which has an excellent selection of Loire reds, including one of my favorites from Samur-Champigny: the 1997 Chateau Hureau Grand Cuvee ($11.99), a deep ruby, juicy Cab Franc with black cherry, smoky tea and (slight) chocolate flavors. It's dry with medium body and acidity, medium-high alcohol for a S-C (13.5%) and soft, chewy tannins, most like a cru Beaujolais. Delicious!

Ask for David Lilley, the resident Loire guru at Garnet, who can give plenty of recommendations for the other Loire appellations mentioned by Randy (Chinon and Bourgueil).

But try the Hureau -- it's a steal at that price! And certainly not the usual Samur-Champigny bistro swill!

Cheers,

Scoop