Many of you have requested more wine reviews and information. We plan to get into a more regular habit wine reviews going forward. In the interest of easing into a more regular review series we thought we would start of with a few qualities for this review: Red, light enough to drink in the incredible summer heat we are having, pairs well with Summer foods, and is light on the wallet.
This wine is from the Cotes du Rhone AOC ( Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) which can be used throughout the Rhone region. Domaine de Chantepierre is made at the Cave de Vigneron de Tavel a cooperative based in the region. The varietal make up of the wine is Grenache (60%), Syrah (20%) and Mourvèdre (20%).
This wine is great with the grilled meats so many of us eat in the summer and you will not need a nap or an air conditioner. Light enough for grilled chicken but heavy enough to pair with just about any red meat imaginable, (Great hamburger wine, if you are not drinking beer). The ideal serving temperature for this wine is about 60 to 65 degrees. I would go on the cooler side during summer even keeping an ice bucket close by if out on the deck. If kept cool enough this wine will be a great crisp summer wine alternative for those that do not enjoy white wine. Proper serving temperature for wine are important. In this case, the wine falls of noticeably over about 68 degrees, over 70 it becomes a hot flabby mess very quickly.
Tasting notes: Crimson in the glass with a peppery nose with red fruit, flowers, and cured meat. Soft mouth with a nicely balanced structure. Light enough to chill slightly and drink in the summer. Nice red wine structure to pair with heavier fair but not to heavy for the summer heat.
Pairing: This wine goes perfectly with grilled meats (especially lamb), charcuterie, and cheese.
Final word: Good wine if you like a little spiciness. There is no danger of your socks flying off with this wine (this is a good thing as you may not be wearing any socks in this summer heat) Light, simple, and straight forward with the structure to hold up to grilled meats but still light enough; and possessing the acidity required to be cool and refreshing when served at proper temperature. A good value at $12.
Get it here
R.H.C. Selections Wine, Bend Oregon