60% Grenache and 40% Syrah from Cotes-du-Rhone, France.
SRP of $15 and available for as low as $10. Sample submitted for review. Imported by Terlato Wines International.
From the bottle:
"My Reference.
A permanent objective to work on differences in tastes, to bring out the specific tastes provided by each local terroir and wine. This is how we could sum up the Chapoutier Estate quest, which has been present in the Rhone Valley since 1808.
14.0% Alcohol"
Today's wine is the second we've reviewed in the Belleruche series from M. Chapoutier. The first was a delightful rosé: M. Chapoutier Belleruche Cotes-Du-Rhone Rosé 2011 - Pink, French and Refreshing. Both wines hail from the Cotes-du-Rhone appellation within the larger Rhoneregion in France.
The 2011 M. Chapoutier Cotes-du-Rhone Belleruche Rouge is a bit barnyardy at first, but after a little air leather, red cherry and other red berry fruit aromas take over. Tasting the wine reveals lots of rich blackberry, a smoky character and a really nice smooth texture. Those smoky notes lead right into the medium-long finish. Quite nice!
See a listing of local retailers selling this wine here.
Overall Rating: 7.3
