Classics From Southern France
Côtes du Rhône Blanc, Ephémère – 2023 $12.96
While the Côtes du Rhône appellation is known primarily for red wine production, the whites can be equally, if not more, exciting due to their rarity. There is an incredible texture to these wines, as the grapes that encompass these blends (Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, and Viognier in this instance), all combine to form a silky smooth experience that is noticeably soft on the palate! The aromatics of Viognier also bring juicy peaches and apricots along with spring flowers into the mix. If you are looking for a lower-acid white wine that is both dry and smooth, the Ephémère is a bottle you need to bring to your next dinner party. – Alex Malecki, Sales Manager
Carignan Vieilles Vignes, Dom. Tour Boisée – 2020 $14.96
Vieilles Vignes just means old vines and while that term does not have any legal barring in this case, the old vines are about 68 years old. Old vines are great because they produce less grapes so the grapes they do produce have more concentrated aromatics. Carignan is a grape thought to be of Spanish origin and is particularly well suited to hot, dry growing seasons producing consistently high yields. In the eighties, Carignan was the most widely planted grape in France, which led to a bunch of vines being torn out with a dip in demand. That is sad because Carignan can make great wines. The Carignan that survived is a lot of old-vine stuff like this one. Big and bold but not overly tannic with nicely balanced fruit and earth. – Josh Mizrahi, Sales Manager
Côtes-du-Rhône “Mon Coeur”, Chave – 2022 $21.97
This Côtes-du-Rhône from Jean Louis Chave might be the best quality for value wine in the entire category. The Chave family has been making wines in the Rhône Valley for literal centuries, primarily up north in Hermitage and St Joseph. The Hermitage wines in particular are some of the best, most sought after (and priciest!) Syrah wines in the world, meant for lengthy aging and ultimately revealing extreme complexity and depth. But what about us mere mortals who don’t have years to wait and budgets to bust? Enter Mon Coeur Côtes-du-Rhône! A blend of Grenache and Syrah sourced from vineyards further south in the Rhône, the wine has the classic peppery and savory notes balanced with a red fruited perfume that really punches above its modest price point. Burger night every night. – James Angelos, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Petite Nature Pétillant Naturel, Martin Texier – 2022 $24.96
Although the son of a revered natural vigneron, Martin Texier wanted to carve his own path. In 2014, he managed to acquire a few hectares and began planting. He now grows Syrah, Cinsault, Roussane, and a few offbeat varieties. This pét-nat is made from the few plantings of Muscat on his estate. It shows a generous nose of pineapple, ginger, and red apples. Add a drop of honey that you notice on the palate. Enjoy this with curried chicken. – Chung Park, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Hermitage “Pierrelle,” Barruol – 2016 $84.99
Few have had a more seismic impact on American wine drinkers than Kermit Lynch. After more than 40 years of importing exquisite, terroir-driven wines from small family producers, his name on a bottle has become synonymous with exceptional quality. It’s as close to a guarantee of a good wine as you can get. In the Southern Rhône, Louis Barruol is one of his star producers and they often collaborate on wines. This Syrah comes from a vineyard at the top of the famed Hermitage hill, and this high altitude lends the wine a certain restraint. It’s traditional in style, with incredible elegance, a beguiling swirl of gorgeous black cherry, tobacco, and earthy notes. This is Old World charm at its absolute best. – Amy Miller, Sales Manager