Winemaker Notes
Pairs well with stuffed poultry, wild boar stew, and soft cheeses.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
An amped-up style, with a strong dose of dark vanilla and licorice notes coating the core of crushed plum and raspberry pâte de fruit. A toasty edge holds the finish. Has the fruit to offset the toast, but this is for fans of the style only. Syrah and Grenache.
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.
Stretching across the slopes of the Ventoux mountain in the southeastern region of the Rhône River Valley, Cotes du Ventoux excels in the production of spicy and characterful red blends based on Grenache, Syrah, and other indigenous varieties. The region also produces rich and aromatic whites and rosés.