A $6.99 Fast Friday Wine Steal @ Costco

While you’d be forgiven for thinking that wines labeled Côtes du Rhône are synonymous with Côtes du Rhône Village, there is actually a distinct step up in quality, and often value, in the latter.  What’s more, these wines have more in common with “new world” wines such as those produced here in California.

Producers here are required to adhere to stricter wine growing and wine making rules than those prescribed for wine labeled simply Côtes du Rhône. In these red wines the Grenache grape must be present at not less than 50%, with 20% Syrah and/or Mourvèdre. A maximum of 20% of other authorized varieties is permitted.

These three primary grapes are the same three that have been featured in a couple of our recent GSM (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre blends) which you can link to here https://wp.me/p9ygim-rK and here https://wp.me/p9ygim-nO

Tasting Notes

From the “shelf talker” at Costco:

“Grenache adds balanced harmony, warmth and fruit forward notes of black plum and blackberry.  There are deep, black fruit concentrations and smooth chocolate notes from the Syrah.”

It’s an uninspired and succinct description to be sure, but it is one I largely agree with. I would add that I found bright red fruit berry flavors in the mix, and was also struck by how little oak was present. This is a food wine for people that like their fruit up front, their tannins soft, and their oak whispering in the background, barely audible.

Our Fast Friday selections don’t appear every week, just when something pops up that falls into the “no brainer” category or we are similarly inspired to sound an alarm.  At just $6.99, not only should you pick up a bottle, you should think about picking up a bunch!

Cheers,