WineAlign

David Lawrason

“I have always loved reds from the southern Rhône region of France for their openness and generosity. By comparison Bordeaux and Burgundy and even those of the northern Rhône are trés serieux – occasionally brilliant, intellectually stimulating and awe-inspiring – but rarely comforting.  I recently had the opportunity to directly compare good quality reds from Bordeaux, Burgundy and the southern Rhône with a single beef bourginon dish at Toqué in Montreal – a rich, complex plate that went straight to the heart, and the waistline. The Domaine de Nicolettes 2007 Côtes du Rhône-Villages Rasteau (Vintages Feb 6th) was unquestionably the best match of the three – smooth, deeply fruited and rolling with the texture of the plate.

This organically produced wine is based 80% on grenache, the lower acid, sweetly fruity grape that differentiates the reds of the southern Rhône from the more angular 100% syrahs from the northern Rhône.  Syrah is widely grown and blended  in the south as well, and its use is increasing to capture the dark, peppery, spicy profile made so popular by shiraz.  However, grenache defines the southern Rhône in my books – usually embroidered with other grapes – but rising to its full potential in old vine Châteauneuf-du-Pâpe.  Here, and in neighbouring villages like Gigondas, Vacqueyras you can encounter the suppleness and richness, finished with minerality and “garrigue” (a local term to describe the herbal aromatic ambiance of southern France)  that gives the wines not only a sense of place, but sense of structure.

If you are already a southern Rhone convert, or you want to buy a few to compare, Vintages Feb 20th is the moment.  As I was unable to taste the entire release this time I focus my picks on six southern Rhônes that best demonstrate the character and quality range. Buy one of each ($133.75 total), gather some friends, open them all together and put on your very own Rhône clinic – with beef bourginon simmering in the background. They are listed in suggested tasting order.”

-  David Lawrason, VP of Wine at WineAlign

Click here to see ranked lists and reviews of over 100 wines in this release.

DOMAINE DE DIEUMERCY 2007 CÔTES DU RHÔNE
$12.95  86pts

LES VIGNERONS DU CASTELAS 2007 VIEILLES VIGNES SIGNARGUES CÔTES DU RHÔNE $17.95  89pts

DOMAINE DU PELOUX 2007 VACQUEYRAS
$19.95  87pts

MAS DES BRESSADES 2008 CUVÉE TRADITION COSTIÈRES DE NÎMES
$14.95  87pts

DOMAINE DU GRAPILLON D’OR 2007 1806 GIGONDAS
$31.95  90pts

DOMAINE DU GRAND TINEL 2007 CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE
$35.95  92pts

Filed under: Wine, "Top Picks", "Top Values", David Lawrason, Rhône, Vintages