FRANçOIS COTAT ‘CAILLOTTES’ SANCERRE 2014

Terroir Tuesday at Chicago’s Table, Donkey and Stick is an alpine treasure chest. Half glasses of rare and enchanting wine are sold at cost, and this week’s “Sauvignon Blanc” theme was a boon. Owner Matt Sussman and bartender Maggie selected and poured three Sauvignon Blancs as different as the table, donkey, and stick bestowed in the eponymous Brothers Grimm fairytale.

Minerality abounds, courtesy of the caillottes (limestone pebbles) from the Chavignol terroir. Drink with or in lieu of eating oysters - this sauvignon blanc hits the mouth with a flavor of crushed mollusk shell drenched in lemon juice, and a whiff of cigar smoke just beyond reach.

Imported by: North Berkeley Imports

Region: Chavignol, Loire, France

Grapes: 100% Sauvignon Blanc

---