INSIDER'S PICK: 2021 DOMAINE de l'IDYLLE MONDEUSE SAVOIE 'LE TITHONIEN' $21.99

Mondeuse is a long revered grape from the Savoie region, regarded as one of the more substantial and hearty varieties grown in the Alpine vineyards. It is also growing in usage in America and other parts of the world, especially among producers looking to make less alcoholic wines, so it may be a name that may have comes across people's radar more frequently over the last decade or so. The varietal has a lot more natural tannin than the Pinot Noir and Gamay that makes up most of the softer red wines of the region, and while nobody would mistake it for a burly Bordeaux or Rhone variety it does show off some depth and substance you wouldn't expect to find in a wine that usually clocks in at or below 12%abv. The mountainside vineyards and cool climate means you really won't find much 'cheap wine' coming from Savoie, but this definitely still qualifies as a value for the quality it delivers. A deep Pinot-y purple in the glass, the nose is cool, earthy and savory with lots of currant and black cherry skin on the nose, with the berry and aromatic notes intensifying as it opens. The palate seems a bit lightweight at first with lots of dark fruits and taut acidity to it, but the fine tannins are really persistent in a strong tea sort of way, and as the wine opens more the fruit comes through more and adds weight to everything. This has a lot of texture for an alpine wine, perfect for folks that enjoy a lighter wine but still want something that can hold up to heartier dishes. 

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