Winemaker Notes
A balanced fresh wine revealing hints of lily on the nose. In the mouth, a lovely freshness a rich balance and silky tannins. A delightful, fresh, light wine for immediate pleasure
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
One of the hidden gems of the Montirius portfolio is the 2015 Cotes du Rhone Serine, a Syrah-based cuvée that exhibits classic notes of cracked pepper and blueberries. It's medium to full-bodied, with silky tannins that make it approachable now, but since it's Syrah, it should have the ability to drink well for up to a decade.
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.