If you love French wines and live in Seattle, consider yourself fortunate. Princess and Bear Wines is a new tasting room in the South Park neighborhood of Seattle that is importing small batch, affordable wines from over 40 independent French winemakers exclusively from the Languedoc-Roussillon region. This wild and unspoiled appellation in the South of France is currently undergoing a winemaking Renaissance. This awakening is driven in part by female winemakers and outsiders who, over the past 20 years, have come from all over the world to experiment with new grape varieties and vinification methods.
These artisanal wines from small family, primarily female-owned, vineyards cannot be found anywhere else in the country. This allows Seattleites the exclusive opportunity to try before buying. For wine enthusiasts around the country, wines can be shipped. More than 150 different wines are offered on a monthly rotating basis. The red, white, rosé and sparkling wines we reviewed below were each unique, highly expressive, worthy of exploring aromas and flavors of French terroir in every sip.
Founders and former Seattle professionals, Carol Bailey and Dr. Steve Medwell, say they discovered the region “almost by accident.” They bought a home there and became entrenched in the culinary culture of the region while developing strong ties to local independent winemakers. They resolved to bring these affordable, handmade wines back to their native shores. “We are now honored to bring the story of these incredible winemakers and their wines to Seattle,” says Carol. The couple handpicks every wine they offer, tasting hundreds of bottles before curating the selection.
The Languedoc-Roussillon is the largest wine producing region in the world offering wines made from over 80 different grape varieties. A visit to the tasting room provides a rare chance for one to stretch their palate with an extraordinary selection of wines.
Visit: $20 tasting fee, refundable with purchase of two bottles. The address is 309 S Cloverdale St, Suite A1, Seattle or phone (206) 323-4757. Check website for more information at www.theprincessandthebear.com.
Below are 4 releases we recently reviewed:
Domaine de la Rochelierre 2019 Noblesse du Temps
93 pts.
A full-bodied red, with enticing aromas of black fruit, olive, white pepper and baking spices. Well-burnished tannins proliferate on the powerful entry, loaded with steeped black currant, dried cranberry, mountain herbs and cured meat notes. Red berry flavors are embedded in the long finish. Mourvedre, Carignan, Grenache $50
Famille Orliac 2021 Bergerie de L’Hortus Rosé
91 pts.
Pale coral hued, evoking honeysuckle and lemon aromas followed by flavors of melon, white raspberry, dried herbs and citrus. Minerally laced, firm and crisp. Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre $28
Domaine La Jass Castel 2020 L’Égriseé
92 pts.
This terroir-driven white is smooth and balanced upfront, with tropical fruit flavors of peach, poached pear and white raspberry backed with almond, heather and garrigue accents that linger on the complex structured finish. Predominantly Grenache Blanc (70%) with equal parts Roussanne and White Carignan. $32
The Princess & The Bear Sparkling Brut Cremant
91 pts.
Appealing for its winning combination of crisp acidity, delicate bubbles and D’anjou pear flavors, this vibrant sparkling wine offers finishing notes of crushed oyster shells and clean minerality. A delicious sparkling blend of Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Pinot Noir. $27