Red Rhône Blend

Domaine Guigal was founded by Etienne, furthered by son Marcel and now his son, Phillippe, represents the third generation toiling in the Côte Rôtie appellation of the Rhône Valley. It is, as they say, une affaire de famille. 

The 2020 Guigal Cotes du Rhône is a blend of Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvdère from the southern Rhône Valley, grown in various types of soil, featuring sediment, limestone, and granite. The vines average 35 years in the ground. After vinification, the wine spent a year and a half in oak. Alcohol hits 15% abv and the bottle cost me $20, at my local supermarket.

This wine is inky dark in the glass. The nose sports aromas of blackberry, plum, and currant, with notes of sweet oak spice, white pepper, and a bit of anise. There is also a tarry sensation in the bouquet. The palate displays all the fruit you can handle, along with some of that oak. The tannic grip is fairly intense upon opening and should be left to breathe a bit before serving. It is a great pairing with any kind of fatty beef. 

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