Gris des Bauries Duo des Achaux 2016
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Duo des Achaux refers to the duo of grape varieties of Grenache and Syrah, grown in Domaine Gris des Bauries’ estate vineyards. A complex mix of flavors that include nuances of spicebox, violet, laurel and strawberry. A generous, yet suave Rhône red.
Blend: 50% Grenache, 50% Syrah
Domaine Gris des Bauries was created in 2007 by two couples: Patrick & Gina Cordet (pictured cutting vines and opening wine) along with Claire-Lise & Charles Wyplosz (pictured among the vines and with the pipette), who collectively share a great passion for wine. Based in the village of Taulignan in the southern Rhône Valley, this small team does everything themselves (with occasional help for bringing in the harvest), mostly by hand, and while carrying out their other “day” jobs. They favor a low-tech, authentic and natural approach, as they do not wish to “override” what nature gives them each vintage. Each parcel is tended to separately and farmed organically.
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.
Typically thought of as a baby Chateâuneuf-du-Pape, the term Côtes du Rhône actually doesn’t merely apply to the flatter outskirts of the major southern Rhône appellations, it also includes the fringes of well-respected northern Rhône appellations. White wines can be produced under the appellation name, but very little is actually made.
The region offers some of the best values in France and even some first-rate and age-worthy reds. Red wine varieties include most of the Chateâuneuf-du-Pape varieties like Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault, and Counoise, as well as Carignan. White grapes grown include Grenache blanc, Roussanne and Viognier, among others.