2007 Daumas Gassac Moulin de Gassac Aniane Guilhem

 

 

 

Varietal:  Rouge (30% Syrah, 30% Grenache, 25% Carignan, 15% Cinsault)
Region:  France
Cost:  $19.50

Red and black fruits and smooth French oak on the palate.  A combination of tannins and alcohol on the finish for a medium-bodied red wine that will pair with rich pasta dishes, pork, lamb, roasted chicken, and spicy vegetarian dishes.

Recommendation:  I’ll be the first to admit that my expertise in wine does not lie in French wine.  That’s not to say that I don’t enjoy it when I manage to get my hands on it, but I probably have the least experience with the region.   Because of this I was both excited and slightly intimidated when I received this wine.

My wife and I drank this medium-bodied red with a meal of fried salmon cakes and while I was somewhat worried that the wine would overpower the meal at first, the richness of the cakes actually did a good job of pairing with the wine.  The flavors of the wine were good, but I do have a complaint – the finish.  Maybe it’s the food I paired it with, but I got a very distinct alcohol flavor on the finish that while not overwhelming, wasn’t something I was expecting.  Perhaps it’s the Carignan or Cinsault, two grapes that I’m unfamiliar with, and maybe pairing the wine with something richer like a piece of lamb or some pasta would have complimented the finish, but I did find it distracting.  I would recommend that you try this wine with a richer dish than I did.

Special thanks to the International Wine of the Month Club.