The Perrin & Fils Cotes-du-Rhone Villages might be called a cousin of the Beaucastel, because it is produced by the same people, the Perrin Family, using the same viticultural and winemaking techniques. More importantly for people who don’t want to drop $26 for the Beaucastel, this is also a great bottle of wine at $12. Rather than considering this a second wine of a Chateauneuf-du-Pape, it would be more appropriate to call this a second wine of Perrin & Fils Gigondas or Vacqueyras due to the blend of approximately 50% Grenache and 50% Syrah. This wine is deep ruby in color and its primary profile is dark fruit like black currant, black cherry and plum. You’ll also find the signature pepper, clove and spice of Rhone red wines. It’s well balanced with soft tannins and a long finish. While it doesn’t have near the complexity of the Beaucastel, this is a great value. Food Pairing Suggestions: Not to be redundant, but this Cotes-du-Rhone Villages would work lovely with braised short ribs. You might also try braised rabbit, stewed or grilled lamb, duck confit or my dark horse pick – venison sausage.
