Winemaker Notes
Between blackcurrant and tapenade, Terre d’Argile offers concentrated flavors, reminiscences of its famous neighbor. Dense and meaty, the mouth reveals deep and sweet ripe fruits on a persistent finish, which suggests a few good years of cellar aging.
Serve within ten years with lamb chops.
Blend: 25% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 25% Mourvedre and 25% Carignan.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
A pretty, elegant version of this cuvée, the 2018 Côtes du Rhône Villages Terre D’Argile is based on one-third each of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre that comes all from vines just outside the northern edge of the Châteauneuf du Pape appellation. Pretty notes of kirsch and blackberry fruits as well as hints of flowery incense and spice give way to a medium-bodied, elegant Côtes du Rhône-Villages with rock-solid overall balance, no hard edges, and a great finish. Enjoy bottles over the coming 4-6 years.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2018 Cotes du Rhone Villages Terre d'Argile is an assemblage of Grenache (40%), Mourvèdre (30%) and Syrah (30%) from clay-rich soils near Courthézon. Garrigue-like herbal notes accent black cherries and red raspberries on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is supple and generous, leading into a softly dusty finish. It should drink well for another several years.
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.