Winemaker Notes
Enjoy it throughout a meal, with poultry, Mediterranean cuisine, grilled or stewed meat, salads, fried mushrooms, lamb shops or soft cheese.
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.
A cooler region precisely between Ventoux and Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence, Cotes du Luberon is a source of full-bodied rosés and crisp, herb-driven reds and whites.