2009 Domaine Nebout SAINT-POURCAIN (Central France)

From an area in Central France directly west of Macon -- and near no other appellations I know of -- this blend of Gamay and Pinot Noir is not necessarily a great wine (in terms of what excites wine critics) but is a fantastically flexible dinner wine.

Very light ruby garnet color.  At first the nose displayed a fair amount of barnyardy earthiness, but with air the earthiness receded and the wine showed off tangy grapey-crisp cherry scents with an earthiness that reminded me of river stones. Barely medium light-bodied, but with minerally crisp cherry and lemon juice flavors, great acids, a soft texture, and a refreshing finish.  I went fantastically with leftover provencal chicken (here's the recipe).  I wish it were a bit cheaper, but certainly give this a shot to see how a wine SHOULD fit in with a meal.  (Hint, it shouldn't be something that contrasts so vividly that it distracts your attention away from the meal, but should feel like a complementary liquid extension of the food.)  In the abstract, this is a B.  With the chicken, it was an A.  Was $14.99 at Arrowine in Arlington.  Imported by Dionysis Imports, Manassas, VA.