| Somewhere
in the environs of the Swiss Alps, a cold and menacing climatic
event gives birth to the age-old windstorms that roar and rumble
into the peaceful valleys of the Cote du Rhone in France, affecting
and effecting every living thing. They call it "The Mistral"
and it is deep in the core of the soul of the wines. To understand
this bucolic region with its intense summers and splendid winters,
you must know the characteristics of the grape varieties that
dominate the area: Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre. These three,
along with a dozen indigenous varieties make up the unique flavor
profile of the Rhone wines. Heady and hearty in youth, velvety
and sublime with age, the Rhone represents some of the best
value and quality of all French wine. These wines are the descendants
of some of France's oldest vineyards and have been maligned,
ignored, and misunderstood for centuries.
New high
standards and the application of modern technology have brought
renewed interest and respect for these remarkable wines. The
southern Rhone, called the Cotes du Rhone, begins at the old
Roman city of Orange, 58 miles south of Valence. Here the
climate is hot and dry in the summer, where the overwhelming
drink of choice is ice-cold rose. It is cool in the winter,
with the occasional Mistral blasting for up to three days
through the scenic river valleys. One major characteristic
of the south is the stones, called "gallettes,"
that wreak havoc on machinery, but provide excellent drainage
and heat retention for the vines.
Here is
the land where tomatoes, garlic, and herbs are king. They
are the mainstay of almost every dish, with lamb serving as
the base. This is the birthplace of the classic Mediterranean
diet (minus the pasta), and wine is integral to the mix. To
enjoy and understand the wines of Rhone, you should be adventurous
and experimental. This is an area of ancient wine making traditions
and the variety is both huge and subtle in the same sip.
Roast
up some eggplant, tomatoes, garlic, and basil and try some
of these exquisite selections. Listen carefully for the sound
of the Mistral.
2000 Perrin
Réserve Cotes du Rhône Rouge: This full-bodied
blend is packed full of black cherry, cassis, clove spice,
and hearty tannin. Savour this wine for many minutes on the
palate and serve with heavier meat dishes or BBQ.
- 2000
Cave des Clairmonts Crozes Hermitage: Made from 100% Syrah,
this is classic Northern Rhone wine. Rich ripe fruit nestled
in sturdy tannins assure an ageable wine that will develop
into a complex and intriguing wine.
- 2000
Domaine du Cayron Gigondas: Bright ruby with purple hues,
mark this full-bodied wine. Unlike some of the previous
selections, this wine offers a soft tannin structure with
ripe dark berry fruits.
- 2001
Chante Cigale Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc: A pungent floral
nose marks this special white blend of Marsanne and Roussane.
Melon fruits and grounded by subtle earth and mineral tones.
A unique and lovely wine to be served with seafood or light
chicken dishes.
- 2000
Lucien Barrot Chateauneuf du Pape Rouge: Loaded with flavors
of pumpkin spice, tobacco leaves, cassis, and black cherry,
this wine is full and supple, but soft enough to drink now.
- 1998
Guigal Cote-Rotie: Big and rustic, this wine is made from
mostly Syrah and offers the classic flavors and smell of
Rhone wines. New leather, bacon, coffee grounds, and blackpepper
fill the nose while the palate finds dark berry fruits,
firm tannins, and layers of earth tones.
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