WASHINGTON — There are a lot of wines out there — some are great, and some are not so great.
Without a fair amount of dedicated research or a lot of trial and error, it can be difficult to consistently find good wines at a fair price. That is, unless you happen to have a trusty guide who has a tried-and-true nose for value-oriented wines, and can point you in the right direction.
Nationally renowned, but locally based, importer Robert Kacher — or Bobby, as he is known inside the trade — has just such a nose.
Fortunately for the wine world, Bobby eschewed a traditional education, and instead, learned about wines while backpacking through the wine-producing regions of France.
His education included more than just tasting: He learned about the entire ancillary world of wine, including the vineyards, winemaking styles, the people who craft the wines and the food of the regions. Bobby was hooked, and the lifestyle that revolved around the world of wine became his passion.
Kacher returned to the D.C. area in 1971, and after a stint as an executive at a wine importer, he decided to start his own firm, Robert Kacher Selections.
His vision was simple: He wanted to align himself with vineyard owners and winemakers who shared his passion for quality. It was his goal to literally scour the European market looking for well-crafted wines that represent a great value and import them to the United States.
During the next 20 years, Kacher spent almost 50 percent of his time in France each year developing his much-envied portfolio, even working with producers in the vineyards and wineries where he introduced innovations that helped guarantee the quality of the wines in his collection.
Kacher’s ability to work directly with growers and producers has earned him a lot of respect from both sides of the equation. Producers in France trust him, and wine shops and restaurants in the States rely on him to provide some of the best values coming out of France.
Today, Robert Kacher Selections is synonymous with quality. When you open a bottle of Bobby’s wine, you can be sure it’s a bottle he’s proud of. It’s nice to know that when you’re looking for a great value in French wine, all you have to do is look for is “Robert Kacher Selections” on the bottle. It’s the next best thing to having your own personal wine guru. Here are some of my favorite sauvignon blanc wines from RKS:
The 2014 Domaine des Corbillières Sauvignon Blanc is from the Touraine appellation of the Loire Valley in France. This artisanal 100 percent sauvignon blanc is made with organic grapes and has a classic varietal nose, intensely herbaceous and grassy. The bright flavors of fresh grapefruit, pear and nectarine get a lift from the abundant acidity which gives a lemon-lime kick on the crisp finish. $12
The 2014 Domaine Tariquet Sauvignon Blanc is a 100 percent sauvignon blanc from the IGP Côtes de Gascogne in France’s southwest region of Gascony. Brothers Rémy and Armin Grassa are growing sauvignon blanc (along with chardonnay and chenin blanc) in a region predominately known for Armagnac. Their father, Yves Grassa, introduced the untested grape varietals back in 1982 and the family never looked back. This wine has loads of citrus and mineral notes on the nose. The palate reveals rich, ripe nectarine and white peaches. The tight finish has just the right amount of acidity to pull off the fleshy fruit and classic flint flavors. An excellent value from this region. $12
The 2013 Domaine Philippe Portier Quincy Blanc is made from 100 percent sauvignon blanc from the Quincy appellation in the Loire Valley of France, which is a haven for sauvignon blanc. Due to its proximity to the Kimmeridgian limestone chain, this particular sauvignon blanc is unique. In the mouth, the wine feels lush and full — thanks to vinification on the lees in stainless steel tanks — with flavors of pears, apples and the ever-present mineral notes. The medium finish is smooth and well-balanced with hints of passion fruit at the end. $18
The 2013 Domaine Seguin Pouilly Fume is produced from 100 percent sauvignon blanc from the Pouilly-Fumé appellation in the Loire Valley of France. On the nose, floral aromas of nectarine, apricot and steely minerals dominate. In the mouth, the wine is delicate but offers up layered flavors of nectarine, orange blossom and citrus. Perfect acidity adds balance and appeal. $26
