Just in time for Valentine’s Day and President’s Day weekend, we’ve received a shipment of specialty French foods.
Rougié Duck confit in cans – Each can contains 4 confit duck legs with 2 cups of duck fat. The legs make an incredible tasting cassoulet and there will be duck fat leftover for cooking French fries on another day.
Tarbais beans for cassoulet are back in stock! These heirloom beans from the cooperative in Tarbes, France are the authentic French bean used in cassoulet with sweet, milky flesh and thin skin. They readily absorb all of the meat, vegetable and herb flavors as they simmer together and hold their shape after cooking for 3-4 hours.
Favol Jams – Since the 13th century, Favols has produced exquisite French jams and fruit spreads. In Favol’s creative line, we carry Pomme Tatin (Apple-Caramel Tart) and Rose Petal Confit. We also carry Favol Fruitessences Preserves which are made with fruits specially selected for ripeness, sweetened only with apple juice – no added sugar. These natural flavors are ideal for pairing with cheese, yogurt, toast, and pastries. Choose from Wild Blackberry, Apricot, and Morello Cherry Fruitessences Preserves.
Peureux Griottines – These Morello cherries are grown in the Balkans, then soaked in liqueur in Fougerolles, France. The cherries undergo numerous macerations in various liqueurs, finally finishing with Kirsch, giving the Griottines their distinctive flavor. Super versatile, use Griottines in desserts, cocktails, cheese plates, and savory dishes.
French Green Lentils A.O.P. from Le Puy – Lentils from Puy are indeed the most fantastic lentils in the world. Their unique, nutty flavor is attributed to the volcanic soil they’re grown in, sans fertilizer, which gives them their fine, mineral-rich taste. The climate in the Auvergne also contributes to their unique texture: a lack of humidity and abundant sunshine, courtesy of the surrounding mountains and volcanic deposits ensure that the lentils dry on the plant all by themselves. Consequently, lentils du Puy have less starch than other green lentils. Serve with duck confit, grilled salmon or sausages.
Chocolates – Our selection of French and Spanish specialty chocolates will satisfy any chocoholic. From Spanish Rabitos (figs filled with brandy ganache, coated in dark chocolate) to ruby chocolate with raspberries, chocolate bars with pistachios, or single-origin dark chocolate bars that can be eaten or used for baking, we’ve got you covered! Pick up a Valentine’s selection for that special someone.
Spanish Vermouth. Vermouth is undergoing a renaissance in Spain. Widely enjoyed a century ago, wineries all over Spain are dusting off their historic vermouth recipes and relaunching their own unique version. Vermouth is a refreshing aperitif served chilled, accompanied by a slice of orange or olive. It is delicious with tinned seafood and gives a new flavor twist to cocktails. These two sherry-based vermouths just arrived on our shelf.
Gonzalez Byass La Copa Rojo, Jerez ($29.99) Based on the original 1896 recipe and graced with the historic label from the company’s archives. “The base of La Copa is an eight-year-old blend of Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez to which carefully selected macerated botanicals are added, including wormwood, clove, orange peel, savory, cinnamon, nutmeg, angelica, and quinine. Offers up aromas of citrus with hints of wormwood and baking spices. On the palate, the PX pushes it to the sweet side, but doesn’t overdo it, and is nicely integrated with clove and cinnamon notes. Gentle herb and spice notes have light minty touches – this is such an elegant composition. It gets a little drier in the finish, but this won’t put off people who dislike the bitterness of other vermouths. A vermouth with balanced sweetness, La Copa works well in cocktails but also on its own.” Sherry notes
Alvear Vermouth Rojo, Montilla-Moriles ($22.99/1000 ml) This artisan vermouth is Alvear’s original recipe and is based on the Pedro Ximénez (PX) grape. Made with a base of dry PX, it offers up aromas of quinine. Quite savory and fresh, with notes of caramel and subtle herbs, it shows great balance. Very nuanced and fragrant.
NEW FRENCH REDS:
Landra Pur Jus 2017, Ventoux ($16.99) Made from Grenache and Syrah grapes biodynamically grown at the foot of Mount de Vaucluse in gravel and stone soils, this gorgeous 50-year-old vineyard has been lovingly restored by vignerons Cecile and Frederic Renoux. A completely natural wine, made using native yeast without additives, enzymes, or added sulfur. Intensely aromatic, it offers up clean and ripe red fruit notes. With great lift and balance, it is a medium-bodied wine with a touch of spice. Very fresh with supple tannins, the finish bursts with persistent ripe fruit and savory notes. Unfined and unfiltered.
Domaine des Amethystes Chiroubles 2017 ($17.99) Vigneron Michel Guignier prefers a natural approach to winemaking and believes wine should above all be the fruit of the earth. His wines are steeped in terroir, the yields are low and the harvest is done by hand. The grapes are crushed in a wooden press and matured in neutral oak barrels on their lees. 2017 Chiroubles is 100% Gamay and offers up subtle aromas of black fruit. Lively and bright on the palate, this light to medium-bodied red has delicate notes of black cherry and berry. With great balance and poise, it is a terrific food wine. Serve it with charcuterie plates or roast poultry. CERTIFIED ORGANIC
Domaine des Pothiers Référence 2018, Côte Roannaise ($15.99) The Côte Roannaise is located in the southern Loire Valley, on the foothills of the Massif Central at about 400-500 meters high. The family has farmed this property for over 100 years, raising limousine cattle and 10 hectares of vineyards. 2018 Référence is made of Gamay Saint Romain, the local clone of Gamay grown biodynamically in granite soils. Made with partial whole cluster fermentation, it offers up juicy red fruit aromas. With notes of earth, plums and dark cherry, it has a light and silky texture with tension and lift. Aged in cement vats with native yeast for about 6 months, it has black pepper undertones, a solid granite backbone, and bright acidity. This is a natural wine with no additives, enzymes or added sulfites. Unfined, unfiltered and really tasty!