2021 Cru des Côtes du Rhône, Vinsobres
https://winesdirect-resize2.azureedg...1hZ2UuanBn.jpg
We have just spent a few days in Lyon, France, and as is my wont drunk the local Rhône wine. To remind us of an enjoyable time, I picked up a bottle of Sainsbury's 2021 Cru Côte du Rhône, Vinsobres.
The Rhône valley has three quality levels, Côtes du Rhône, Côtes du Rhône Villages and the highest level Cru des Côtes du Rhône. This is a classic traditional French wine for special occasions. Rich, full, concentrated, bursting with summer fruits all backed up with a spicy finish.
Rich and complex aromatic nose: ripe black fruits are dominant, with spicy flavours (wild black pepper).
Taste: intense ripe black fruits flavours and pepper aroma. Tannic and powerful wine with a good aromatic persistence.
14% ABV Mostly Syrah and Grenache grape. £12 from Sainsbury's
(According to perceived wisdom, Côte du Rhône should be served at between 15 and 16C, and the wine I drunk in Lyon was IMO served too cold to the point of not really having much taste. The wine cited above was served at just below room temperature (say 18C) allowing the taste to open out and was much more enjoyable.)