Domaine du Pesquier Cotes du Rhone 2005
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The actual estate was created in the 1950s, producing olive oil as well. After the strong frosts of 1956, destroying almost all olive groves, Domaine du Pesquier was restructured. The vineyards and the wine became an important part of it, but it was only in 1971, when Gigondas obtained its proper AOC status, that wine became the leading product of the domaine.
Raymond Boutiere started selling the first Cuvee of the domaine in 1965, still under a Côtes du Rhône Villages label; together with his son Guy, he's the one who gives a real incentive for the development of the estate.
Nowadays, Guy and Mathieu Boutiere cultivate some 24 hectares of vines (17 hectares in AOP Gigondas, 1 hectare in AOP Vacqueyras, 2 hectares in AOP Côtes du Rhône, 4 hectares in Vin de Pays de Vaucluse), respecting terroirs and traditions. They only produce red wines.
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
Typically thought of as a baby Chateâuneuf-du-Pape, the term Côtes du Rhône actually doesn’t merely apply to the flatter outskirts of the major southern Rhône appellations, it also includes the fringes of well-respected northern Rhône appellations. White wines can be produced under the appellation name, but very little is actually made.
The region offers some of the best values in France and even some first-rate and age-worthy reds. Red wine varieties include most of the Chateâuneuf-du-Pape varieties like Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault, and Counoise, as well as Carignan. White grapes grown include Grenache blanc, Roussanne and Viognier, among others.