Here it is mid August and I’m already thinking about
fall. I see my adored Le Creuset pot
looking kind of lonely on the shelf, I
taste this week’s Wine Wednesday feature the 2010 Féraud – Brunel Côtes du Rhone Villages Rasteau and I’m
suddenly longing for braised meats and stews.
This red wine from the Southern Rhone Valley of France is a
blend of largely Grenache. AOC guidelines for Côtes du Rhone (pronounced Coat –
dew- roan) Villages require wines to be at least 50% Grenache and contain a minimum
of 20% Syrah or Mourvedre. They may
contain up to 20% of other permitted varietals. Wines must also have a minimum alcohol content
of 12%.
This particular wine is 14% alcohol by volume, visible in the
lovely legs I noticed as I observed its deep purple color.
On the nose - blackberry, dark fruit and
baking spice, with specifically a hint of clove. On the palate, full bodied, velvety, fruit
forward with light tannins and a wonderful spice on the finish though more
pepper like here than baking spice.
Though the wine has light tannins, with the higher alcohol
content, I would avoid lighter dishes like fish, (even salmon or tuna), seafood or
salads. Beyond that, it’s quite versatile
and can handle some spice. Try with a wonderful harvest stew like my slow
cooker Bouja, a Cajun Filet or even
Chipotle Chili Sloppy Joes. I
think it would be wonderful with venison too for my deer hunting friends. To
print or save the recipe pairing suggestions, click the links below.
