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.
Collioure, the appellation name for the dry table wines produced in the area overlapping Banyuls, is on the coast at the French-Spanish border. The climate is warm Mediterranean and supports many grape varieties. Red Collioure wines are composed of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre (60% minimum in combination) with Carignan and Cinsault forming the remainder. Rosés come from the same grapes with up to 30% Grenache Gris permitted and dry whites (allowed since 2003 to hold the appellation name) are full-bodied and aromatic wines based on Grenache Blanc and Gris.