Wine of the Month - January 2012
2009 Vin de Pays de l’Aude,“Capucine” Chateau Ollieux Romanis - $11.99
This delightful red gets its moment in our spotlight in an effort to convert those who still don’t view French wines as “good value”; especially in the sub-$20 range, let alone sub-$15.
In comparison to their more modern, sleek New World counterparts (even at this price), French wines can offer distinctive, intriguing flavors and a real sense of geographic origin (or“Terroir” as the French call it...). In this case, we have a delicious offering from the Aude valley in southwest France, near Limoux.
All is reassuringly done the right way at this domaine; organically farmed old vines on rocky clay and limestone soils, partial carbonic maceration and aging in concrete and steel tanks. This blend of 25% each of Carignan, Grenache, Syrah and Merlot shows ample ripe red fruits, herbs and hints of sweet spice and white pepper on the nose. The palate is softly tannic, expressive and shows some good concentration of red cherry and raspberry, pleasing herb and earth notes. A perfect match for hearty, country dishes like a game stew or ideally, the finest Cassoulet you can muster. Happy New Year!
This delightful red gets its moment in our spotlight in an effort to convert those who still don’t view French wines as “good value”; especially in the sub-$20 range, let alone sub-$15.
In comparison to their more modern, sleek New World counterparts (even at this price), French wines can offer distinctive, intriguing flavors and a real sense of geographic origin (or“Terroir” as the French call it...). In this case, we have a delicious offering from the Aude valley in southwest France, near Limoux.
All is reassuringly done the right way at this domaine; organically farmed old vines on rocky clay and limestone soils, partial carbonic maceration and aging in concrete and steel tanks. This blend of 25% each of Carignan, Grenache, Syrah and Merlot shows ample ripe red fruits, herbs and hints of sweet spice and white pepper on the nose. The palate is softly tannic, expressive and shows some good concentration of red cherry and raspberry, pleasing herb and earth notes. A perfect match for hearty, country dishes like a game stew or ideally, the finest Cassoulet you can muster. Happy New Year!
