Winemaker Notes
This wine has been selected from the best parcels just outside of the Cheateauneuf du Pape area of appellation based on their soil, age and grape varieties with small yields. This wine is a blend of three classic grape varieties from the Chateauneuf du Pape area: Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre. The Syrah brings the structure, the spices with aromas of violets and a deep ruby color. The Grenache brings strengh, fatness and softness. The Mourvèdre brings tannins and body. Thanks to the oak barrel aging, the wine is very complex, showing toasted notes of vanilla, grilled spices and licorice perfume. This top Cuvée of Côtes du Rhône is very sophisticated, well balanced and shows a lot of elegance and finesse.
It will perfectly match meat dishes cooked in sauce as well as game (like venison, or wild boar), a rack of lamb and ribeye steaks.
Blend: 50% Syrah, 45% Grenache, 5% Mourvèdre
Critical Acclaim
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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.
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.