Winemaker Notes
Red berry and kirsch aromas underlined by floral notes. On the palate, the wine is round and smooth, with complex flavors of red and black fruits such as acerola cherry, blackcurrant, and plum. Subtle notes of sweet spices add depth and elegance. The silky, well-integrated tannins support a long and harmonious finish.
This Côtes du Rhône Villages is a classic from the family of riper, rounder, richer red wines produced in the Southern Rhône. Perfect with grilled or stewed meat, lamb kebabs, snacked red tuna steak, vegetable lasagna or with exotic cuisine such as lamb curry.
Blend: 50% Grenache, 45% Syrah, 5% Carignan
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.
An appellation full of some of the most delightful and particularly charming reds, Côtes du Rhône Villages includes the best villages of the greater Côtes du Rhône appellation. The possibility for an appellation promotion exists for every named village but each has to achieve and prove superior quality before an upgrade will be granted. The main ones today are Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Beaumes-de-Venise, Vinsobres, Rasteau and Cairanne.
The Gigondas appellation, while sometimes producing wines with a touch of rusticity, can often rival Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Its elevations are higher and soils richer in limestone. Vacqueyras reds are more concentrated than the more general Côtes du Rhône reds and must be at least one half comprised of Grenache by law. Beaumes de Venise also includes some excellent higher elevation spots for making snappy, fruity and spicy reds but historically the appellation’s esteem came from its fragrant, sweet and golden Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise.