Cotes du Rhone (French) - Nov 2009

Host: Melanie
Book: The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery
Wine: Cotes du Rhone - Wine Region in France

1. Perrin & Fils - $13.95 GROUP FAVORITE - Tied with number 3!
90 points Wine Spectator: "Very pure, with gorgeous plum and black cherry aromas and flavors laced with enticing spice, graphite and violet notes. Long, very silky finish. Delicious. Drink now."-WS May 8, 2009. Just 20% of the Côtes du Rhône vineyards are entitled to add "Villages" to their name. These are the best vineyard sites, which means if you like Côtes du Rhône, then you'll love Côtes du Rhône-Villages. This wine is produced by the Perrin family of Beaucastel fame, using the same viticultural and winemaking techniques they use in making their famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It is a blend of 50% Syrah and 50% Grenache from two specific vineyard plots that are among the best in the Rhône Valley. The 2007 Côtes du Rhône-Villages from Perrin & Fils is an absolute pleasure to imbibe.

2. Belleruche - $13.95
Michel Chapoutier says that one of the most difficult tasks of a vineyardist and winemaker is to make a serious, high-quality wine, yet have it remain a good value. His "Belleruche" wines accomplish just that. M. Chapoutier Belleruche Rouge is a great introduction to one of the world's most celebrated wine appellations: the Côtes-du-Rhône region. Aroma: Red fruit aromas, mainly Morello cherries. Taste: Well-structured, with dark red fruit and pepper notes; sustained tannin. Grape Varieties:50% Grenache, 50% Syrah

3. E. Guigal - $16.00 - GROUP FAVORITE - Tied with #1

4. La Vieille Ferme - $8.00