Winemaker Notes
Deep, a sign of elegance and character. Intense, very ripe black berries, heightened by a spicy fruitiness and notes of incense. Very dense and delicate on the palate, reminiscent of plum, blackcurrant, and garrigue (sage and juniper). The tannins are delicate and velvety.
Pair with game meat (hare or boar stew), lamb with thyme, daube, or vine grower’s rib steak.
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.
Gently rolling hills covered by large, round stones on south-facing slopes, Costieres de Nimes is a substantial IGP zone that was formerly considered part of the Languedoc. Today it is included as a section of the southern Rhone; its climate, topography and wines put it more in line with that appellation. Grenache is its most important red variety, along with Mourvedre, Syrah and Carignan. Half of the production here is rosé.