Varietal: Â Syrah, Grenache, Carignan
Region: Â Roussillon, France
Cost: Â $15 (SRP)
Winemaker’s Notes:  Blue fruits, reminiscent of plum, blackberry, and blueberry, paired with “savoriness” are the welcoming hallmarks of France’s southernmost wine region and this Syrah-dominated blend, mingled with Grenache and Carignan offers the aromas and flavors of each, plus notes of sweet earth, menthol, licorice, mocha, and “the smell of summer rain on stone,” as Chapoutier poetically puts it. Pairs this red with fish, such as an appetizer of anchovy and red pepper, a Roussillon favorite.
My Review:Â Sometimes catching up on work can be a pleasant experience…if that work (or long-standing hobby in this case) involves getting to try really enjoyable wines. Last night I caught up on a few projects, one that you’ll have to wait until next week to read about, and one that was this bottle of wine.
In the glass the wine was a nice medium dark red color, and on the nose I picked up notes of plum and blueberry. In the mouth the blueberry carried through and was joined by notes of licorice and a hint of mocha on the finish. The wine had a nice, medium-light body that was perfect for a bottle that I just wanted to sip on after a long weekend – nothing too heavy and complex, something I could just enjoy by itself with a little pizza.
For the price this wine is a great value, as it certainly drinks better than the $15 that they’re asking for it, which makes it an easy bottle for me to recommend if you’re looking for an easy sipper that also presents a good value.
Editor’s Note: I received this bottle as a free sample for review.
