Posted by JASON

It’s been almost two years since the federal government approved a relatively new French varietal to be marketed in the U.S., but it is finally available in Maryland and here on Wells’ shelves.

We recently added Dom. de la Ferrandiere Marselan (2007 vintage, $9.99/bottle, $95.90/case) to our French portfolio. Marselan is a cross between Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache, and was first produced by French researches in 1961 in an effort to produce a grape variety heartiness, color and heat tolerance of Grenache, and the finesse of Cabernet, according to Wine Spectator.

Despite the early research, Marselan’s lower yields compared to other varietals led to it being mostly ignored until earlier this decade. Now, a handful of producers have taken an interest in the grape including Dom. de la Ferrandiere.

The Ferrandiere offering is a medium-bodied wine with liberal acidity and a bright, mixed berry palate that makes it a food-friendly red.