Winemaker Notes
Beatus Ille is a quote from an ancient Latin poem by Horace in the second Epode, that literally means, "happy is the man". It refers to the pleasure of appreciating your beautiful surroundings in the countryside and working under your own volition...an appreciation for what you have in its simplest form.
Blend: 85% Grenache, 15% Cinsault
Professional Ratings
-
James Suckling
A very fresh array of red berries and ripe cherries with a wealth of succulent and supple fruit that delivers a sweetly spicy and juicy impression on the fresh and supple finish.
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The cherry-scented 2019 Cotes du Rhone Beatus Ille also boasts intricate garrigue shadings, which bring welcome complexity and a slightly savory overtone to the bold, fruity aromas and flavors. It's full-bodied, supple and round in the mouth, with silky tannins on the licorice, rosemary and bay leaf-inflected finish. It should drink well for 3-4 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.
Typically thought of as a baby Chateâuneuf-du-Pape, the term Côtes du Rhône actually doesn’t merely apply to the flatter outskirts of the major southern Rhône appellations, it also includes the fringes of well-respected northern Rhône appellations. White wines can be produced under the appellation name, but very little is actually made.
The region offers some of the best values in France and even some first-rate and age-worthy reds. Red wine varieties include most of the Chateâuneuf-du-Pape varieties like Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault, and Counoise, as well as Carignan. White grapes grown include Grenache blanc, Roussanne and Viognier, among others.