Wine from the Rhone Valley – They say variety is the spice of life and this is certainly true in the world of wine. I seldom drink the same wine, style or varieties.
One region that is a treasure chest of styles and grape varietals is the Rhone Valley. Wherever you like perfumed whites from Roussanne/Marsanne , seductive earthy Grenache or floral Syrahs, there is choice for all your tastes and pockets. That’s why it is one of my favorite wine region after the Rousillon in France
Wine from the Rhone Valley
Petit Tracteur
That’s why you don’t have to be a wine expert to appreciate the virtues of Rhone wines. Let’s consider the Petit Tracteur. This generous Rhone (60% Syrah, 40% Grenache) blend has terrific plum and cherry flavours with savoury garrigue-pencil nuances. On the palate, it has enough tannins to make your BBQ steak shine while its satiny palate will make you long for another glass. At your local SAQ for only $16.00 ( 14094933). Great everyday wine with your weekday BBQ’s.
Château De Saint Cosme Little James Basket Solera
Another interesting red Rhone blend to discover is the Château De Saint Cosme Little James Basket Solera ( 13958277, $21.10). Here is a fantastic wine made in a solera style system that combines many vintages of Grenache. The solera was started in 1999 by Louis Barruol and is one of the great deals in the Southern Rhone. Chateau de Saint Cosme is considered the top estates in Gigondas By adding older vintages to newer ones Louis is able to make a consistent cuvee with tons of character and depths
It has an enticing heady blackberry nose with spicy and floral aromas. On the palate, it is powerful yet not jammy with explosive black berry flavours. Rich and heady with deep finale complemented by a finale reminiscent of truffle and white licorice. Pair it with charcoaled game sausages and french fries.
Gabriel Meffre Côtes du Rhône Laurus 2017
Finally, an affordable white Rhone blend and a must for your bucket list is the Gabriel Meffre Côtes du Rhône Laurus 2017 ( 13113952, $20.35). With close to 80 years of winemaking experience on their belt, the Gabriel Meffre Winery has become a well known name regional winery in the production and commercialisation of fine wines from the Rhone Valley.The Gabriel Meffre name is famous not only in France but in more than 50 countries around the world.
A beautiful blend of Grenache blanc, Viognier, Roussanne and Bourboulenc. The nose is charming reminiscent of pear sorbet, lemon, wild thyme with a touch of fennel and apricot. On the palate, it is voluptuous, yet with incredible depth and freshness. It will be marvelous with grilled salmon on a cedar plank.
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