A blend of Grenache, Syrah and Carignan; a big wine with black plums and black olives, nice juicy red fruits, brown spice, drenched in mocha on the finish. Michel Chapoutier makes great terroir wines and his wines are really good; especially from the Rhone. But this one is from Côtes du Roussillon! It is rich and smooth and the tannins are really fine and integrated. An Unami inducing wine for me. It’s diverse and it will age. It can be paired with a good heavy stew, BBQ ribs, Souvlaki or Surf and Turf. I’ve tasted the 2011 it is also just as phenomenal, if just a tad more sweet peppery than the 2010. I bought a few of the 2010 already and 2011 is on deck. I had another wine
From the region of Montsant with that is so like a Piorat. The Zerran Tinto is made from Syrah and very old Garnacha and Carignan that is aged 16 months in French oak. The red has very intense black fruit flavors. It is dusty (like a Rioja is), herbal with a touch of smoke. It has that clear your throat black pepper feeling. This Zerran wine comes from wines 1,500-1,800 feet in altitude. Try this one with some smoked or spiced meats; grilled or roasted meats… Braised Oxtail! Think about herbs and Manchego cheese too.
Both these wines can be delicate and ethereal at the same time …seek them out!
