Grenache Noir, Syrah
75cl * Vegan * 14.0% 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. The Cairanne juice for this wine is enriched with specially-selected parcels from Séguret and Sablet villages.
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.