When in Rhône, Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre!
People are often intimidated by wine and its terminology. When ordering a glass of wine in this case specifically a blend in a restaurant we often choose the option we are most familiar with, usually something mainstream like a Bordeaux blend.
A Rhône blend is one of the world’s top blends. It is also the second largest appellation after Bordeaux. Rhône consists of two main regions, Southern Rhône and Northern Rhône and is found in the Southern region of France.
Northern Rhône consists of 7 main appellations and only one red, Syrah by law is produced. The rest of the wine produced is predominantly white and include cultivars such as Roussanne, Marsanne, Viognier and Grenache Blanc.
The Southern Rhône region tends to get slightly more complex and only includes 13 grape varieties by law of which the main cultivars include the three main red grapes, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Grenache and the three whites, Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier.
The blend is enjoyed by many for its fruit forward character, complexity, and aging potential. The fruity characters can be further identified as notes of Raspberry and Blackberry. Some of the primary flavours also include Rosemary, vanilla, lavender and spice. A Rhône blend is a medium bodied, dry red wine. The acidity and tannins within this blend are what allows it to age so gracefully.
This is a versatile blend suited for almost every food pairing. The elegant fruity character derived from Grenache is complimented by the bold and spicy character from the Syrah and Mourvèdre enhancing the taste of food. Some of these blends are poetically perfumy while others are distinctively rich, they can be stored away to be enjoyed on a rainy winter day or keep you company next to the pool.
Rhône blends are to be enjoyed on any occasion as evidence suggests a Rhône blend is consumed every 13 seconds across the planet.
