Winemaker Notes
Blend: 85% Grenache, 15% Syrah
Professional Ratings
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
Minervois, one of the finest AOCs in France's Languedoc-Roussillon wine region, produces red wines of distinction. The 2022 Domaine des Homs Clots de Pal is beautiful and fulfilling. This wine shines with aromas and flavors of earth, stones-in-the-desert, and blackberries. Enjoy it with grilled pork chops accented with lime juice. (Tasted: March 22, 2025, San Francisco, CA)
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.
Recognized for its concentrated and sultry reds made predominantly of Carignan, Grenache and Syrah, this western Languedoc appellation is also famous for the charming and delicate fortified Vin Doux Naturel called Muscat de St. Jean de Minervois. The dry rosé and white wines of Minervois are also worth seeking out.