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 CĂ´tes 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!