South Africa is not my most frequent choice when it comes to reds around 10 Euros. Wines like this could easily change my attitude.
grenache
For Grenache lovers – a dry red from Maury, Domaine de l’Arboussa 2015
The more un-fortified Grenaches I try from this traditionally vin doux naturel producing part of France, the more convinced I am that it’s really a special place for the variety. Andrew Jefford is right.
A good Languedoc rosé – Gérard Bertrand Cote des Roses 2018
Fancy bottles does not mean the wine cannot be good. This rosé is a good value too.
Elegant and poised, quite close to Provence in style. While it’s delicate, the texture is somewhat viscous, with the impression of a fuller body. Restrained, pretty aromas of peach and white currant, it’s rather a textural wine. Nuanced and delicious, a nice rosé, highly recommended.
Rating: good, 86 points.
Price: 2500 HUF (Auchan supermarket), or 8-9 Euros.
Value: very good.
Tasted: August, 2019.
Source: I bought it in Auchan.
Drinking window: 2019.
Yet another great value Southern Rhone red: Domaine les Grands Bois “Maximilien” Cairanne 2017
Another great Cotes du Rhone from 2016: Clos Saint-Antonin
Yet another one from the endless row of great 2016 Southern Rhone reds. The first wine I tried from the producer and it convinced me, now I want to try more from their portfolio.
Another great Cotes du Rhone red – Domaine Olivier Hillaire Vieilles Vignes 2017
Drinking in Avignon wine #10. The last one from this series, and easily the best. Bought the bottle in the producers shop in the centre of the town Chateauneuf-du-Pape, where one can taste through the whole range, including the expensive top wines, I highly recommend to visit it if you are in town.
Would you buy less expensive Chateauneuf du Pape?
Drinking in Avignon wine #9. There should be a saying that goes like: never buy cheap Chateauneuf du Pape. It’s just a waste of many.
Vignerons de Caractere, Terroir Daronton, Roaix 2016, Cotes du Rhone Villages
Drinking in Avignon, wine #8. Yet another Southern Rhone appellation which I have not heard of, Roaix. But while that pretty Seguret made me a fan, this time I was slightly disappointed.
Rhone Cru with age – Alain Jaume & Fils Lirac Roquedon 2012
Drinking in Avignon, wine #7. I bought the bottle at the cellar door, at the end of my visit. There were so many wines available, and I love the producer so I wanted all them, but sadly, I could only carry one bottle with myself. And because the topic that I was most interested on this trip was how Southern Rhone reds age, I chose what the lady recommended: a Lirac at 6.5 years of age, presumably at its prime. Continue reading
Almost a Bandol – Domaine de la Begude, Cadet de la Begude 2017
Petit Bandol. Or something like that. Actually tastes a bit different, which is not surprising when we take a look at the composition: Mourvedre, Grenache and Cinsault, roughly one-third each. Continue reading