Winemaker Notes
The wine has a profound cardinal hue with powerful aromas of rhubarb compote, savory roasted plum, star anise and leather. Opening with potent flavors of cola, dark fruits, raspberry jam and baking chocolate, it transitions to offer beguiling flavors of forest floor, fennel, and earthy Asian spices. With a purposeful finish, the wine closes with shards of acidity and lengthy polished tannins.
A blend of Grenache, Carignan, Syrah and Mourvedre
Professional Ratings
-
Wine & Spirits
Less intense than the D66 (also recommended here), this blend of grenache, carignan, syrah and mourvèdre has a sultry, smoky flavor, notes of coffee and toffee wrapping around the tangy red fruit. It’s sunny and ripe, with enough tannins to keep it structured but not impede the smooth, sleek texture.
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 extensive appellation producing a diverse selection of good quality and great values, Languedoc spans the Mediterranean coast from the Pyrenees mountains of Roussillon all the way to the Rhône Valley. Languedoc’s terrain is generally flat coastal plains, with a warm Mediterranean climate and frequent risk of drought.
Virtually every style of wine is made in this expansive region. Most dry wines are blends with varietal choice strongly influenced by the neighboring Rhône Valley. For reds and rosés, the primary grapes include Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, Cinsault and Mourvèdre. White varieties include Grenache Blanc, Muscat, Ugni Blanc, Vermentino, Macabéo, Clairette, Piquepoul and Bourbelenc.
International varieties are also planted in large numbers here, in particular Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon.
The key region for sparkling wines here is Limoux, where Blanquette de Limoux is believed to have been the first sparkling wine made in France, even before Champagne. Crémant de Limoux is produced in a more modern style.