Domaine Rouge-Bleu Le Vendangeur Cotes du Rhone Villages 2014
Product Details
Your Rating
Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
Grenache is the preeminent grape of the southern Rhone and in its youth tastes of strawberries and raspberries. As it ages, Grenache transmits flavors of black cherries, pepper, coffee, leather, spices, tar, black olives and black currants. Since Le Vendangeur ‘s grapes come from very low-yielding vines, it retains its structure and intensifies concentration meaning it can age from between five and eight years depending on the conditions prevalent in any particular vintage. Grenache constitutes 75% of the blend. The second grape of the mix, Syrah (20%), can add notes of scented flowers like violets, wood-smoke, blackberries and savory flavors and more structure. Mourvedre constitutes only 5% of Vendangeur's blend and in general, adds solidity, alcohol and tannin along with some herby and earthy notes making it a great partner for the lush and plumper Grenache.
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
An appellation full of some of the most delightful and particularly charming reds, Côtes du Rhône Villages includes the best villages of the greater Côtes du Rhône appellation. The possibility for an appellation promotion exists for every named village but each has to achieve and prove superior quality before an upgrade will be granted. The main ones today are Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Beaumes-de-Venise, Vinsobres, Rasteau and Cairanne.
The Gigondas appellation, while sometimes producing wines with a touch of rusticity, can often rival Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Its elevations are higher and soils richer in limestone. Vacqueyras reds are more concentrated than the more general Côtes du Rhône reds and must be at least one half comprised of Grenache by law. Beaumes de Venise also includes some excellent higher elevation spots for making snappy, fruity and spicy reds but historically the appellation’s esteem came from its fragrant, sweet and golden Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise.