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Archive for the ‘Cote du Rhone’ Category

On a recent trip to my local discount wine emporium I found a very good Cote du Rhone that may rival the Perrin & Fils that is currently listed in my favorites box.  Seeing that the price was right and knowing I have had great success with lighter style French red wines, I decided that I probably couldn’t go wrong in purchasing this bottle.  Paul Jaboulet Aine Parallele 45 Cote du Rhone 2007 from France is medium bodied and slightly dry.  A blend of 60% grenache and 40% syrah, it had a pretty deep red color with a sweet, caramel and berry nose.  The wine is fruit forward at first with notes of blackberry and cherry and had a great spicy finish that I love in my red wines.  I think it had nice depth given the 14% alcohol and I experienced some mild tannins.  Paul Jaboulet produces this wine from 25 year old vines and ages it in stainless steel tanks.  I find Cote du Rhone to pair well with just about any dish from meat and fish to Indian and Thai cuisines.  This wine was rated 88 points from Wine Spectator and retails for under $12.

Since I gravitate towards all things French, it is no surprise that I also love French wines.  At many of my local wine shops there are plenty of inexpensive Cote du Rhone offerings.  By far my immediate favorite is Perrin & Fils Cote du Rhone Villages 2006 from Chateau de Beaucastel in the Rhone Valley.  I first tried this version at a wine tasting and was blown away by how great it was.  I went on to order several bottles and have really enjoyed each experience upon drinking them. 

The reason I am so impressed with this red is the explosion of flavor that comes with every sip.  A blend of 50% syrah and 50% grenache, it’s slight  floral and licorice aromas lead into full rich black cherry and plum flavors with a light spice and a hint of oak.  There are mild tannins present and there is a smooth and long finish on the palate.  I find this wine on the lighter side even though it is categorized as medium bodied.  This makes it a great companion not only to grilled meats and cheeses but  it also pairs well with spicy Thai and Indian cuisines.  It is rated 90 points by Wine Spectator and retails under $18.