Virginie's Wineblog

A red Costiéres de Nîmes AOC from the Côtes du Rhône region in France. This Domaine produces as well a white and rose both under the same name as their red wine.

Technical Data: 47% Grenache, 33% Syrah and 20% Carignane . This wine was aged a few months only in French oak barrel. Imported by Bobby Kacher Selections in DC Area.

Description: Garnet robe with purple hues. The nose is concentrated on aromas of plum and ripe cherries with oak and a hint of spice. Very rich and earthy palate expressing also flavors of black ripe cherries and raspberries entwined with black pepper and subtle oak, medium tannins and a roasted coffee long lasting finish.

Food Pairing & Service: Paired by Angela with a French cheese from the Pyrenees region called Petit Basque from the brand Istara. Personally, I would also paired this wine with Turkey, after all, Thanksgiving is around the corner.

Score: 9/10. Extremely great value, Stack it up to enjoy year around!

Ageing Potential: Drink now or cellar up to 2012.

Price as seen on DC shelf: $9.99

A red Rhone table wine from the Côtes du Rhône region in France.

Technical Data: 50% Grenache and 50% Syrah. This wine was aged 12 months in French oak barrel. Unfiltered. Imported by Bobby Kacher Selections in DC Area.

Description: Ruby red robe. Fruit forwards nose loaded with red and black fruits as well as spices and a hint of oak. The palate shows lots of character, the wine is textured and a bit jammy and expresses flavors of plum, black berries and morello cherries backed up by velvety smooth tannins, roasted coffee flavors and oak. Full-bodied and long lasting.

Food Pairing & Service: Will accompany well game, red meats and cheeses. Paired by Angela with a soft-ripened cheese made from pasteurized cow’s milk From Normandie Region in France and called Petit Pont L’Evêque.

Score: 7/10.

Ageing Potential: Drink now or cellar up to 2011.

Price as seen on DC shelf: $14.99

An elegant and quite famous by now Jaboulet red wine from the Côtes du Rhône region in France. This Côtes du Rhône takes its name from the 45th North parallel which runs two kilometres from the cellars of Maison Paul Jaboulet Aîné.

Technical Data: This is a blend of 60% Grenache Grape and 40% Syrah from 25 years old vines . The wine was aged in stainless steel tanks to preserve the freshness of its fruits.

Description: Bright ruby red in color. Aromatic wine loaded with red fruits and spices. On the palate, rounded tannins for a full bodied wine, redcurrant and plumy flavors are in charge here up until the Syrah characteristic spiciness kicks in. Some cedary note and pepper are also present. This wine, has a nice bite in the end, but it is not overwhelming, on the contrary, the fruity flavors and the spiciness are well integrated together to construct a delightfully complex wine with a long lasting finish.

Food Pairing & Service: I strongly recommend to pair this wine with food such as Grilled/roasted meats or Cheeses.

Score: 9/10.

Ageing Potential: This Côtes du Rhône should be drunk young, within 1 to 5 years.

Price as seen on DC shelf: $15.99

A very fruity medium bodied Beaujolais-Villages from the Negociant Louis Jadot located in Burgundy France.

Technical Data: 100% Gamay .

Description: Bright purple in color. Quite enticing nose with a load of fresh red fruits aromas and a hint of spice. On the palate, the entrance is firm, but nice and refreshing, with smooth tannins, good balance and a long lasting finish. Plumy and raspberries flavors followed by dark cherries are dominating here. The wine shows off as well a pinch of white pepper, a smudge of cedar and Rose flavors. A complex wine at a not so complex price!

Food Pairing & Service: Very versatile wine. Can be drunk by itself or accompany food such as Grilled red meat, white fish and cheeses. It will also do wonders with your summer’s light dishes!

Score: 8/10.

Ageing Potential: This Beaujolais-Villages is supposed to be drunk young although it can be kept easily up to 5 years.

Price as seen on DC shelf: $14.59.

Table wine made from Syrah from the Minervois and Cabardes region in Southern France produced by the well-known Gallo from California.

Technical Data: 100% Syrah, portions of the wine aged in stainless steel tanks and in new American and French oak. Upon completion of aging, the final wine was blended, filtered, and fined.

Description: Deep purple-to-black color with violet accents.Aromas of blackberry and cassis with spicy overtones and subtle floral hints. For the palate, jammy core of blackberry with back notes of vibrant red fruit.

Food Pairing & Service: Ideally suited to Lamb, Pasta, Cassoulet and Roasted Duck.

Score: 6/10

Suggested Retail Price: $9.99

Table wine made from Merlot from Limoux, Minervois and Cabardes Region in Southern France produced by the well-known Gallo from California.

Technical Data: 100% Merlot, portions of the wine aged in stainless steel tanks and in new American and French oak. Upon completion of aging, the final wine was blended, filtered, and fined.

Description: Ruby red color with purple accents. Aromas of black currant and cherry with hints of spice and vanilla. Dark red berry characters on the palate with subtle tones of vanilla, jam, and spice.

Food Pairing & Service: Ideally suited to Meatloaf, Beef Stew, Grilled Lamb Chops, Risotto, Quail.

Score: 6/10

Suggested Retail Price: $9.99