From: Roaix, Rhône Valley, France
Varietal: 52% Grenache, 40% Syrah, 8% Carignan
Tasting Notes: This charming red presents a deep garnet color with a vibrant hue. On the nose, the wine reveals an enticing bouquet of ripe black cherries, plums, and blackberries, followed by hints of dried herbs, cracked black pepper, and a touch of earthy minerality. As the wine opens up, subtle notes of lavender, licorice, and sweet spices emerge, adding complexity to the aromatic profile.
On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied with a rich, velvety texture. The well-integrated tannins and balanced acidity provide a solid backbone that supports the concentrated dark fruit flavors. The wine's minerality shines through, lending a savory edge to the fruit-driven profile. The finish is long and persistent, with lingering notes of dark chocolate, baking spice, and a hint of smoked meat, leaving a satisfying impression.
Pairing: This versatile Côtes du Rhône Villages Roaix pairs well with a variety of dishes, making it a great choice for any meal. The wine's rich fruit flavors, balanced acidity, and well-structured tannins complement hearty meat dishes such as grilled steak, braised short ribs (check out the recipe below!), or roasted lamb. For a lighter option, consider pairing with roasted chicken or duck, as the wine's herbal and spicy notes will enhance the flavors of the dish.
For vegetarian options, consider dishes with robust, earthy flavors that can stand up to the wine's intensity. Mushroom-based dishes, such as a mushroom risotto or a wild mushroom ragout, will work particularly well, as the umami flavors in the mushrooms will complement the wine's savory notes. A hearty vegetable ratatouille or a lentil stew with herbs and spices can also make for a satisfying pairing, allowing the wine's fruit and herbal qualities to shine through.
Korean Braised Spare Ribs With Soy and Black Pepper
By Kay Chun
About. The vineyards of this appellation thrive on varied terroir, consisting of slopes with round pebbles, red and grey clay, and sandy soil. This diverse environment produces well-structured wines with remarkable quality, ideal for pairing with a wide range of dishes.
Rhonéa's Les Coudoulières is a blend of 52% Grenache, 40% Syrah, and 8% Carignan. The grapes are carefully selected to best express the original flavors of the appellation, and the final blending is carried out with Chefs Disciples d'Escoffier to ensure a strong association with the world of gastronomy. Traditional fermentation takes place in stainless steel vats, and the grapes are entirely destemmed. Maceration lasts for 15 days, producing a wine with an expressive bouquet that hints at red fruit and develops spicy overtones with age.
Côtes du Rhône Villages Roaix is a small but noteworthy appellation in the southern Rhône Valley in France. Although red wines account for 97 percent of its output, small quantities of white and rosé wines are also produced. Roaix is the smallest zone to qualify as a named Côtes du Rhône Village, with 85 percent of its cultivated land devoted to growing vines.
