Winemaker Notes
The 2017 Ogier Artesis Cotes du Rhone Rouge is an intense ruby color. The nose is very expressive and opens itself on licorice, Violette and crushed red fruits (strawberry, raspberry) followed by spicy notes of pepper and juniper. Discreet woody notes brings a beautiful complexity. The palate is dominated by the suavity of the Grenache that expresses on ripe fruit, figs and plums. The Syrah gives some vivacity and greediness to this great Côtes du Rhône showing silky tannins. Blend: 70% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre
This Red Blend accompanies perfectly with lamb chop.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Neat, crunchy texture with red-fruit flavor. Really approachable and fleshy. Drink now.
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.