2017 Georges Duboeuf Wildflower Merlot

We received three wines from the Wildflowers line by Georges Duboeuf. These wines are from the Pays d’Oc region in Southern France. The wines, all from 2017, included a Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Pinot Noir. Our overall reaction was that these wines would pair well with Thanksgiving dinners. The US suggested retail price for each of the wines was $11.99 for a 750 ml bottle. That is a very reasonable price for French wines.

A challenge to serving wines at a traditional Thanksgiving feast is the multiple flavors and textures that grace the dinner table. The wines we tasted were all fruit forward with medium to full bodies and mild tannins. At most, the wines had a faint influence of oak. They would match easily with turkey, stuffing, and the wide array of side dishes. 

In 1964, Georges Duboeuf founded Le Vins Georges Duboeuf with the belief that the wines should express the terroir of the region. The wine bottle labels feature a drawing of a native French wildflower and a handwritten name of the varietal grape. The Wildflower series of wines emphasize the sustainably farmed vineyards. Wildflowers were planted as cover crops in the vineyards along with grasses. The wildflowers attract beneficial insects and promote a sustainable ecosystem.

Georges Duboeuf 2017 Wildflower Cabernet Sauvignon

The labels on the three wines we received included the following wildflowers:

Cabernet Sauvignon – Scabiosa

Merlot – Cornflower
Pinot Noir – Red Poppy

The Wines

Merlot Pays d’Oc 2017 was an opaque dark violet color with a ruby hue. This 13.5% alcohol wine had an aroma of luscious dark berry fruits and a hint of violets. The taste was reminiscent of blueberries, blackberries, black cherries and violets. The wine was medium to full bodied and had mild tannins. The finish was crisp and fruity. This wine represents what the Merlot grape is capable of producing. 

The Pinot Noir Pays d’Oc 2017 had a translucent ruby color with a deep red hue and had 13% alcohol. The aroma included red berry fruits. The medium to full-bodied wine had very mild tannins. Raspberries and black cherries were noticed on the taste. The wine had a smooth mouthfeel. The finish is fruity with a slight touch of pepper. It is a gentle wine that can pair with many foods.

Cabernet Sauvignon Pays d’Oc 2017 had a dark purple color with a ruby hue. The translucent ruby rim emphasizes the wine’s youthfulness. The aroma comprises dark berry fruits. The fruit forward taste offered blackberries, black raspberries, cassis and baking spices. The smooth mouthfeel accompanies the full body with medium/bold tannins. The alcohol is 13%.

With a price point of $11.99, try these wines at your Thanksgiving feast.

Cheers,
Terry