Wine glut in France?

[Florida Jim]

2004 H. Beaulieu, Coteaux du Languedoc Picpoul de Pinet:

Made from the ancient picpoul (a/k/a piquepoul) grape, it is a clean, lemony, acidic white wine that reminds of the still wines produced in Catalan from the parellada grape (also, one of the grapes used in Cava); lightweight, mineral accents, no wood and a mouthwatering finish. Not complex and not for drinking without food; still, with squash soup and a green salad, it’s appealing. Cheap too, at under $10.

2004 Raymond Quenard, Vin de Savoie Chignin:

The label reports that this wine is made from the mondeuse (noire) grape and is 12% alcohol. High toned aromatics similar to Loire gamay with face powder, herb and red fruit aromas; medium weight with a dusty texture, angular red fruit flavors with an herbaceous accent, bright acidity, decent concentration and good persistence. A bright, lightweight delivery with some complexity.

This grape is also known as refosco in Italy (Friuli, mostly) and a recent example I tasted (2000 Ronchi di Nimis di Giovanni Dri, Colli Orientali del Friuli, Refosco) had more weight and character with a smoother texture.

‘Anyone predict how this Quenard will age?

1996 Thierry Allemand, Cornas Reynard:

Fully ripe, gutsy syrah nose with hints of olive and charcoal smoke, fleeting red fruit accents, complex and enticing; medium body, nuances of earth, olive and salt pork overlay cool climate (yet ripe) syrah flavors – all well integrated and smoothly textured, concentrated, intense, balanced and persistent. The structure is in the background but it adds to the wine with brightness, texture and a bone dry impression. More expressive, masculine and intense than a recent 1996 Chave, Hermitage rouge, but less refined and precise. Great, great wine with years ahead of it.

1999 Doichon, Moulin-á-Vent:

Smooth, delicious and richer than the above mondeuse; good concentration, complexity and balance. Just a terrific wine.

Best, Jim