Well hello there,
We are off to the Rhône Valley in France this time round, with a slight detour to California to enjoy some great Zinfandels. The Rhône Valley is located in the southeastern part of France and extends from the start of the Rhône River to its mouth at the Mediterranean Sea. Needless to say, this vast wine region crosses many different terroirs and as a result, produces many different wines. The N. Rhône region is known for high quality red wines made predominantly from Syrah – Hermitage is the name you will hear when oenophiles speak of this region. The north contains steep riverbanks, providing well-drained soil and lovely slope aspects – ideal for growing quality wine grapes. The S. Rhône contains several well-known wine regions – Cotes du Rhone-Villages, Chateauneuf-du-Pape and Rasteau to name a few. These wine regions contain gentle, rolling hills, less altitude and a warmer climate. Many blends come out of this region where Grenache is the dominant grape. Did you know that Chateauneuf-du-Pape may contain up to 13 different grape varietals?
Here are our picks:
SPARKLING WINE
127811 La Maison du Crémant Brut Crémant du Bourgogne (Burgundy, FR) $18.95
All the classic notes of a champagne – yeasty nose, grapefruit peel But it has a bit of an oily length. That sounds odd, but this is great bubbly!
WHITE WINE
128645 Urban Uco Torrontés 2008 (Argentina) $11.95
This is a lovely little sipper that is pretty while being quite bold. Torrontés is a little known grape with similar characteristics of Viognier.
127480 Coopers Creek Chardonnay/Viognier 2007 (New Zealand) $16.95
This is a solid, bold white wine from a fabulous producer. Not too much oak and the Viognier gives it some elegance.
RED WINE
59287 Pasion 4 Merlot 2007 (Argentina) $11.95
A terrific value here. Fairly full-bodied with blackcurrant and mocha notes.
467957 Alamos Malbec 2008 (Argentina) $13.95
A big red that is dark purple in colour and spicy on the palate. Black fruits prevail.
132548 Chateau Mourgues du Gres Les Galets Rouges 2007 (S. Rhone, France) $14.95
Say that name 5x, fast!?! Loaded with berries and garrigue. It is quite perky.
130021 Domaine Paul Henry Cotes du Rhone 2006 (S. Rhone, France) $14.95
Medium bodied with a distinct charcoal finish. Plums, strawberry and blackberries reside on the palate
681346 Etim Selection 2006 (Spain) $15.00
Lots of herb and dark fruit notes. It is hearty, but complex and interesting. Rob Parker gave this a 91. Great value!
24505 Tommasi Vigneto Le Prunee Merlot 2007 (Italy) $16.95
Smooth, smoky coffee notes with a good fruit back bone. This is a good Old World find.
127738 Ogier Rasteau 2007 (S. Rhone) $19.95
Put this one down for a couple of years to let the tannins soften a bit. It is well-made with a big, bold oak palate and a definite Old World flare.
74195 Delas Haute Pierre Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2007 (S. Rhone, France) $35.95
This is classic Chateauneuf-d-P. Full, full-bodied, intense dark wine that presents chewiness and solid wine-making skill. R. Parker scored if 92-94 and claims that it will drink well for 12-15+ years.
133389 Candor Lot 1 Zinfandel (California) $19.95
Big, bold and rich flavours of ripe berry fruit and spicy notes, good acidity and a nice finish. Quite elegant!
38000 Clos Du Bois Zinfandel (North Coast) $18.95
Berry aromas a hint of black olive and mocha notes, with ample fruit on the palate and an earthy finish.
678698 Gnarly Head Old Vine Zin Zinfandel 2007 (Lodi) $17.95
Big on dense berry fruit, smokey, spicy, and earthy, wow what a mouthful!
57356 Howling Moon Old Vine Zinfandel 2005 (Lodi) $18.95
Bouncing with flavours of juicy ripe berry fruit, dark cherry and spice and a good finish.
590216 Clos Du Val Zinfandel 2006 (Napa Valley) $21.95
Aromas and flavours of blueberry pie, ripe dark cherry and black pepper, and soft tannins. This is a fun and approachable zin, try it solo.
ALP
Karen and Rose
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