The Côtes du Rhône region produces red wines that are ideal for cold winter evenings. They can be blends of up to 14 local varieties but this one is 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah. Dense purple in colour — as you’d expect from a warm sunny vintage that far south — it’s got a nose of blackberries and vanilla oak; full-bodied and dry, it has a distinct flavour of freshly picked blackberries with fresh acidity.
Clear deep plum red. Forward nose of raspberries, violets and blueberries. Light-bodied with more raspberry and blueberry fruit framed by bright acidity. Quaffable, but also a friendly accompaniment to the fat texture and spices of a tourtière. Ready to drink.
Aromatic varietal character reveals green fruit, grassy herbal and passion fruit with full-flavoured gooseberry, a pungent mineral note and vibrant acidity, finishing with uncharacteristic fruity ripeness.
Tasted both in Burgundy and here at home with the same score. The warm vintage has produced a wine with a sumptuous texture and flavours of peach, sweet apple, lemon, white flowers and minerals. The finale is crisp and clean. Drink now.
This organic blend of Marsanne, Roussanne and Grenache Blanc is from one of the largest privately-owned wineries in Corbières, covering 130 ha. Ollieux Romanis has belonged to the same family since 1860. This is full-bodied and round, slicked with the heady ripeness of the region and grapes, with honeysuckle, green fig, dried sage and rosemary. The palate is deep and spiced, lined with lees and honey, finishing with an alluring spicy finish and a flush of warmth. A few years in bottle is this wine's friend. Partner with roasted winter squash or braised chicken thighs.
A traditional method sparkler made from Chenin Blanc. Straw-coloured with a bouquet of apple and quince and a light floral note; medium-bodied, bright, crisply dry, apple and lemon flavours.
65% Sauvignon Blanc, 35% Semillon. Pale straw in colour with a smoky, struck flint (reductive) nose of cut grass and green plum; medium-bodied, dry, crisp, grapefruit and gooseberry flavours.