Grenache Noir, Syrah
150cl * Vegan * 13.5% ABV * Côtes du Rhône, France
The common practice in the Rhône is to bottle the best cuvées as a single named ‘Village' wine (such as Cairanne, Gigondas or the 15 other “named” villages) and the rest as Côtes du Rhône Villages - Boutinot’s philosophy, however, is to use all the grapes, including the very best, in their villages blend. This juice for this wine being a blend of Cairanne, Seguret and Sablet.
Here, brambly fruit is underpinned by crunchy red cherry and the subtle oak nuance of warm star anise and a touch of cinnamon from 20% of the blend being aged for 22 months in old oak.
A solid partner to comfort food such as roast lamb, game, hearty stews, shepherd’s pie or grilled meats. One Canadian wine expert recommends it as a match to elk and moose – I will take their word on it for that, but it’s a sure-fire winner with venison.
Like most Côtes du Rhône reds, this benefits from a light chill and serving at 15C – 16C.