Variety: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Carignan
Region: Cote du Rhone, France
Cost: $18 (SRP)
Winemaker’s Notes: The wine has an intense garnet and violet color with aromas of black fruits like blackberry and black currant. There is a savory note with a good deal of spice in the mid-palate with a dense yet pleasant body and smooth elegant finish.
My Review: The holidays are over, and that means it’s time to catch up on all my writing (get ready for a bunch of posts). That also means we’re jumping right in. Here we go!
In the glass, the 2017 Ferraton Pere & Fils Cotes-du-Rhone Villages Plan de Dieu was a ruby red color, and on the nose I picked up bright aromas of tart berries, violets, and licorice. In the mouth the wine was light to medium bodied and smooth, with flavors of raspberry and a hint of smoke that all lead into a clean finish.
We paired the wine with some chili we’d cooked all afternoon, and the bright notes of the wine were a nice contrast to the deeper flavors of the wine.
For $18 I really enjoyed the wine, and it’s versatile enough to enjoy on its own or with a variety of foods; I think some bold cheeses and slightly spicy sausage would be a great compliment (and a damned fine afternoon snack).
Whether it’s for the last parties of the year (or a party to kick off the start of a new year), it’s a great value pick-up that’s likely to suit the preferences of most of your guests.
Editor’s Note: I received this wine as a free sample for review.
