Where to begin looking for a perfect summer wine among racks and racks of choices? I once again consulted our knowledgeable friends at Joe Canal’s Discount Liquor of Rio Grande. Greeted at the door by district manager for Francis Ford Coppola Wines, Erika Jurden, I got the skinny on the best of the best in Coppola summer vino.
Francis Ford Coppola Votre Santé Chardonnay
“A Toast to family traditions”, this renowned Chardonnay is produced through a split fermentation technique where half the fruit is fermented in French Oak and half is fermented in stainless steel to create a refined balance of richness and bright acidity. A taste reveals vibrant citrus notes, a hint of honeysuckle, flavors of pears, melon, cinnamon, and vanilla ice cream flavors. Enjoy with grilled chicken salad, crab cakes, spring rolls, or fruit cupcakes.
Francis Ford Coppola Votre Santé Pinot Noir
Best described as a “California wine with a French accent”, this light summer red consists of cool climate fruit, allowing for a bright acidity. It is aged in Frecnh and Hungarian oak barrels to impart a subtle smoky character. A taste reveals cherry, cranberry, and raspberry flavors with woodsy notes of incense, tea leaves, and cinnamon. It is reputedly most delicious with salmon filet and vegetable en papillote, spinach salad, and creamy pasta sauces.
Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Claret
The flagship wine of the Diamond Collection and the most popular Coppola of Joe Canal’s, this Claret blend contains all five Bordeaux varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. Its flavor is best described as sophisticated, with layers of blackberry, cassis, and roasted espresso beans. Erika assures us that the Claret is perfect for grilling out and great with burgers, beef stew, French onion soup, and fresh cheddars.
Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Sauvignon Blanc
Perfectly light for the patio or beach, this Sauvignon Blanc is fermented and finished entirely in stainless steel to retain a crisp freshness and create a balance of lush fruit and acidity. With flavor undertones of zesty pink grapefruit, tropical fruit, and lemongrass notes, it pairs beautifully with chicken piccata and seafood favorites such as angel hair pasta with scallops and mussels.
Now, for a limited time, Joe Canal’s features an unbeatable case deal on these and all Coppola wines. Purchase a case, mix and match your favorites, and receive a $36 mail-in rebate. Those who redeem the rebate will also be sent a free jar of Coppola’s Mammarella organic Pomodoro Pasta Sauce and Mammarella organic Bumbola pasta. Take advantage of this awesome case deal and host your very own tasting of Coppola’s variety of premium wines.
By Megan Kummer