I sat down with representatives of Chicago-based Martine's Wines, Inc. last week and was quite impressed by what I tasted. It was enjoyable and refeshing to taste French wine with someone who knew way more about it than I did!

Here is their impressive portfolio:

Stephane Coquillette NV Brut Champagne Carte d 'Or

A blend of Grand Crus and Premier Cru. 66% Pinot Noir and 33% Chardonnay. The result is an elegant and light wine with extremely fine bubbles. A great combination of floral aromas and juicy fruit flavors

Feraud - Brunel 2010 Cotes-du-Rhone-Villages

Wine produced from vines averaging 38 years in age. 75% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 5% other varietals. All organically grown grapes aged in ceramic vats. Black berry and plum flavors with bakers chocolate and light spice finish.

Feraud - Brunel 2010 Chateauneuf-du-Pape

40 year old vines in chalky and stony soil. 80% Grenache, 12% Mourvedre, and 8% Cinsault et Vaccarese. Aged in cement vats for 25 days before bottleing. Deep black cherry fruit with a long presence on the palate. Solid tannins and moderate alcohol. Incfredibly well balanced and a great value!

Michael Gay Et Fils 2008 Chorey-Les-Beaune Vieilles Vignes

A blend of several different vineyards and terroirs from Les Beaumonts, Les Confrelins, Les Champs Long and others. Average vine is 50 years old at an altitude of 22-240 meters. Aged in 30% new French barrels. An old fashioned burgundy with enticing earthiness and fresh strwaberry. This wine has made the Wine Specator's Top 100 wines of the year on numerous occasions.

All of these wines are distributed locally by Natural Sates Wines. If your local store and restaurant doesn't have them on the shelf or wine list, they can easily order them in for you. Give them a try today!