Winemaker Notes
A serious, opulent and complex example of cru Cairanne. This is rich, intense and drenched in dark red fruits. With Morello cherry and a touch of cinnamon spice on the nose, soft dark plummy fruit, licorice, chocolate, a hint of black tea on the palate, this wine is full flavored and smooth with supple tannins. A rich, savoury satisfying mouthful that shows greater elegance with air.
Rich, complex and delicious with dishes which take time to prepare: a slow cooked duck cassoulet, or warming beef casserole – try a Daube Niçoise, the southern French variation of the traditional beef daube which includes tomato, orange zest and black olives. Hearty vegetable dishes can work too – grilled eggplant with a herby tomato Provençal sauce or a tofu burger with all the trimmings.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A good introduction to the generous and powerful but bright and cool wines of this up-and-coming appellation. There’s so much herbal freshness and roasted-fennel character in the ample body. Quite long and lively finish. Could certainly spend a few more years in the bottle.
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.