Les Garrigues Cotes du Rhone 2019
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2017-
Wilfred
Wong
Named after the beautifully aromatic underbrush and scrub found all over Provence, Les Garrigues is an easygoing yet surprisingly full-blooded Cotes-du-Rhone. A Michael Skurnik Wines exclusive, it is produced by a single, small domaine in the Cotes-du-Rhone appellation, and bottled according to our preferences. A blend of predominantly Grenache, with a balance of Syrah, Les Garrigues is always balanced, delicious, and correct—never over-ripe, over-done, or overly alcoholic (a trait that sometimes mars wines of this scorching-hot southern climate)… We like to think of it as the perfect all-purpose value Rhone red, and its success over the years seems to confirm our opinion. Try for yourself!
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.