Winemaker Notes
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.
The Côtes du Roussillon-Les Aspres appellation, granted in 2004, covers the transitional area between the lower Pyrénées and the coastal Roussillon plain. While it is south of the Têt River, the region became part of the Villages encasement in 2017. Only red wines can claim the Côtes du Roussillon-Les Aspres appellation name; these are generally blends of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre and sometimes Carignan. (No Cinsault or Lledoner Pelut are allowed.)