Red wines from the
Rhone Valley in France have long been some of my favorites. As with most red wines today they have evolved
into more robust versions of what I first discovered in the early 1970’s. Way back then, in what seems to be ancient times
in the wine industry, Rhone wines were young and fruity; simple wines for
everyday consumption. Today they are bigger and bolder to satisfy a new
generation of wine lovers weaned on California Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Still,
in spite of their evolutionary march up the ladder to bigger and bolder, Rhone wines did not pair well with hearty red
meats—that is until now.
Moving up to new
heights on our evolutionary scale of boldness for Rhone wines is a 2011 Cote-du-Rhone
from Moillard, a highly esteemed Burgundy producer. This brazen Rhone wine consisting
of 50% Syrah, 40% Grenache and 10% Mourvedre coupled with oak maturation
brashly stimulates the palate with spicy black fruit flavors and a long velvety
finish. In the past, pairing a Cote du Rhone with mouthwatering sirloin steaks
or hearty beef stews would be unthinkable, not so with this offering. Unlike other Cote-du-Rhones, this full-bodied
wine will not be overwhelmed by many such savory beef dishes. The bold tannins
and acids coalesce with the beef’s juicy richness. The wine’s velvety texture joined
with the richness of beef on the palate creates a singular taste sensation. Not
only is this the biggest and boldest Rhone wine yet but its effect on our taste
buds is an uncommon experience. Long-time Rhone wine enthusiasts and newcomers
to the Valley’s wines alike will not want to miss experiencing this
revolutionary Cote-du-Rhone from Moillard.
Bon degustation!
