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Cotes du Rhone wine is
traditionally a core blend of
three different grape varietals:
Grenache (60%), Syrah (35%),
and Mourvedre (5%). The
percentages can differ, but you
get the point. Many of times,
Cotes du Rhone has other
varietals such as Carignan or
Cinsault included, but this
depends on the producer.
Grenache is a more voluptuous
grape, giving warmth and
richness to the blend; it also has a
hint of cotton candy on the nose
which is a usually dead giveaway.
Syrah is the workhorse grape in
the blend, imparting depth and
structurealongwithameatyand
peppery character. Mourvedre
is the outsider, adding some
furry tannins to the texture and
contributing mysterious flavors
and aromas such as herbs or
maybe even a hint of iodine.
What I have always liked
about Cotes du Rhone wines is
that they are both simple and
complex at the same time. By
simple, I mean that they are
very approachable and fruit-
driven, usually not heavy on
oak, and meant to drink at the
table. The French even have
a term for this called ‘Vin de
Table’. Complexity comes by
using different grape varietals in
the blend, which gives different
flavor characteristics to the
wine. This makes a wine more
interesting to smell and taste; it’s
kind of like adding salt, pepper,
spices, or herbs to your food.
If you are new to Cotes
du Rhone reds and would
like to get acquainted, the
following wines should be
readily available at your local
grocery or liquor store chain -
M. Chapoutier,
“Belleruche”, Cotes du Rhone
Andre Brunel, Cotes du Rhone
Delas, “Saint-Esprit”, Cotes
du Rhone
E. Guigal, Cotes du Rhone
Enjoy!!
A label showing the region
name and the producer
NWO Golf Links