From: Southern Rhone Valley, France
Varietals: Grenache, Syrah dominant Rhône blend
Taste: This medium-bodied, full-flavored red is produced from a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre grapes. It has a deep ruby color and aromas of ripe red fruit, herbs and spices. On the palate, the wine is smooth and well-balanced, with flavors of blackberry, raspberry, licorice and spice. The tannins are soft and the finish is long and lingering.
Pairing: This wine is a great choice for any occasion. It pairs well with a variety of dishes, including grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and even pasta dishes. It is also a great choice for sipping on its own. Its medium body and fruity flavors make it a great accompaniment to grilled meats and vegetables. Its earthy notes pair nicely with roasted poultry and game dishes. Its spicy notes make it a great match for dishes with Asian flavors, such as stir-fries and curries (check out our pairing suggestion: Kukul Mas Maluwa (Sri Lankan Chicken Curry) by Samantha Seneviratne).
The wine also pairs nicely with tomato-based dishes, such as pasta with marinara sauce or pizza. The acidity in the wine will help to balance out the acidity in the tomatoes, while the fruit flavors will bring out the sweetness of the tomatoes. For a vegetarian option, this wine pairs well with roasted vegetables, especially root vegetables, as the earthy components in the wine will complement the earthy flavors of the vegetables.
The winery. The history of Château de Montfaucon dates back to the 11th century when the castle’s first tower was built. The castle’s role in history was strategic; the Rhône River was the border between the French Kingdom and the Holy Roman German Empire. Montfaucon was one of a line of castles and fortresses along the Rhône River constructed to guard the border, and later to tax ships carrying goods up and down the River.
The first eleven towns forming La Côte du Rhône (including Montfaucon) on the right bank of the Rhône decide to protect the quality of their wine by forbidding grapes from outside the towns to enter the blends. In 1737 the King's Council orders the wine barrels from Côte du Rhône to be marked with letters C.D.R. This can be considered as the first appellation.
Rodolphe de Pins took over the family estate of Montfaucon in 1995 and subsequently rebuilt the winery and began practicing sustainable agriculture. He honed his winemaking skills in Barossa at Henschke and Vieux Telegraphe in Châteauneuf du Pape before returning to Lirac, so needless to say, his familiarity with the local varieties is well established.