From: Séguret, Cotes Du Rhone, France
Varietal: Grenache Noir, Syrah
Taste: The wine presents an intense crimson hue with dark purple reflections. The elegant nose reveals a fusion of delicate spices, licorice, sour cherry, and a touch of violet, complemented by fresh and ripe wild blackberry, violet, and cornflowers. It offers a beautiful balance of freshness and minerality on the palate with a rich, structured, and lively character. Notes of juicy cassis, fleshy plum, and Bigarreau cherry (aka Bing Cherries, with origins in the Rhone area of France!) are layered with hints of raspberry, cherry blossoms, toasted almond, and chocolate. The elegant and well-built tannins provide a delicate chew on the finish. This is a classically styled, precise, and convincing Séguret with complexity, precision, and richness.
Pairing: The classics work well here: Roast lamb with herbs, seasoned with rosemary, thyme, and garlic, enhances the wine's notes of fresh local garrigue and black olive. Duck breast with cherry sauce mirrors the wine's notes of sour cherry and juicy bing cherry. Beef Bourguignon, with its rich, slow-cooked beef and red wine sauce, complements the wine's robust structure and complex flavors of licorice, chocolate, and toasted hints. Mushroom risotto, with its earthy flavors, pairs well with the wine's subtle toasted hazelnut and chocolate notes, while the creaminess of the risotto balances its fine acidity and minerality. A selection of aged cheeses, such as Comté, Gouda, or Roquefort, enhances the wine's elegant tannins and persistent finish, creating a delightful contrast and balance.
For some fun pairings, we’d suggest trying a nice moderately spiced Indian curry or some smoky barbecued ribs at your next summer backyard BBQ.
Oven-Smoked Ribs
By Mark Bittman
About: In the village of Séguret in the southern Rhône Valley, Domaine de l'Amauve is a family estate that epitomizes dedication to quality and respect for nature. Spanning 11 hectares, this estate is renowned for its meticulously crafted red, rosé, and white wines, primarily under the ‘Côtes du Rhône Villages Séguret’ appellation. Additionally, the estate produces distinctive red and rosé cuvées from the Vaucluse I.G.P.
Domaine de l'Amauve's commitment to sustainable viticulture is evident through its organic certification 2020 and HVE3 (High Environmental Value) certification in 2019. Moreover, since 2018, the red wines from the estate have been certified as vegan, reflecting a comprehensive approach to environmentally and ethically conscious winemaking.
