Winemaker Notes
Bright red color. Fruity notes (raspberries, redcurrants, cherries) dominate with a hint of pepper and spice added by the Syrah. Medium-bodied, with ripe, rounded tannins giving a silky feel.
Professional Ratings
-
Jeb Dunnuck
The 2020 Saint-Chinian Château De Ciffre Grand Vin, composed of Syrah, Grenache Noir, and Mourvèdre, displays a harmonious evolution towards tertiary aromas and a texture refined by time. Notes of blackcurrant, mocha, caramel, tobacco, prune, date, licorice, candied blueberry, and blood orange settle on fine, supple tannins like silk velvet. Fresh and delightfully drinkable, a hint of mint on the finish adds an extra touch of freshness. Balanced and uncomplicated.
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 extensive appellation producing a diverse selection of good quality and great values, Languedoc spans the Mediterranean coast from the Pyrenees mountains of Roussillon all the way to the Rhône Valley. Languedoc’s terrain is generally flat coastal plains, with a warm Mediterranean climate and frequent risk of drought.
Virtually every style of wine is made in this expansive region. Most dry wines are blends with varietal choice strongly influenced by the neighboring Rhône Valley. For reds and rosés, the primary grapes include Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, Cinsault and Mourvèdre. White varieties include Grenache Blanc, Muscat, Ugni Blanc, Vermentino, Macabéo, Clairette, Piquepoul and Bourbelenc.
International varieties are also planted in large numbers here, in particular Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon.
The key region for sparkling wines here is Limoux, where Blanquette de Limoux is believed to have been the first sparkling wine made in France, even before Champagne. Crémant de Limoux is produced in a more modern style.