Rhone Valley, France
This is a deep, resinous, and complete Côtes-du-Rhône Villages, and one that delivers old-school Southern Rhône authenticity and goodness way beyond its price tag. Domaine de la Biscarelle’s Côtes-du-Rhône Villages is fashioned from 40- to 70-year-old vines abutting the northwestern sector of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Essentially a baby Châteauneuf, the Biscarelle’s core is predominantly Grenache, accented by Syrah and Carignan with a dollop of Cinsault thrown in for extra complexity. A deep, opaque black plum color in the glass, the wine opens with exhilarating Châteauneuf-like aromas of Provençal cherries complimented by hints of cinnamon, cloves, freshly cracked black pepper, licorice, and orange zest. Deep, chewy, and satisfying on the palate, plentiful tannins frame the wine’s kernel of black currant and black cherry fruit followed by a persistent parched-stone soil signature that segues the wine to its long, lingering finish. We suggest buying this by the case for enjoyment now and over the next ten years with roast herbed leg of lamb, dishes featuring porcini mushrooms, anchovy-rich tapenades, and bean-rich cassoulets.
A September 2021 newsletter selection
Sustainably farmed.
