The Loire Valley has always been on the forefront of organic and Biodynamic viticulture and Domaine de L'Ecu has been at the helm of this movement since the 1970's. The Classic bottling is an entry level Melon de Bourgogne and is meant to be enjoyed in its youth. Extended lees ageing makes for a textural experience along with amazing nuanced fruit. The nose shows aromas of white flowers and honeyed peach and the medium bodied palate delivers notes of apple and pear with a hint of fennel and fresh minerality. This bistro white will play well with the apero course.

Maxime Graillot started this label after training under his late, great father Alain Graillot, making epic expressive and lively Syrah like his father but with perhaps even more drinkability at a younger age. This is accomplished using techniques like de-stemming fruit and aging in wood that doesn't overpower the fruit. The nose shows notes of pepper, blackberry, and violet and the medium plus palate delivers savoury herb, olive, and wild berry. This will make for a classic pairing with the herb crusted rack of lamb. 

The Bugey is one of the best-kept secrets of France. A geographical crossroads between Savoie and Jura, Burgundy, and Rhône. In La Cueille, one of seven high-altitude hamlets surrounding the historic medieval town of Poncin, Patrick and Catherine Bottex—recently joined by their son, Carl—farm the rocky limestone slopes above the Ain River. This lightly sparkling Gamay is a lovely rosé color, a true vin de plaisir. One sip and you’ll wonder where it’s been all your life. End result is a wine that's delightfully refreshing with bright fruit, crisp acidity, a beautiful deep pink hue, and a tantalizing touch of sweetness that will be lovely with the almond and cherry cake.