Wine of the Week 7/27

Domaine des Amouriers, Vin de Pays Vaucluse , $10.99

Comprised of 50% Grenache, 28% Syrah, 15% Merlot and 7% Carignane, this little Cork & Bottle treasure comes from the Vaucluse of southern France. In case you are wondering, “Uh, where? I’ve never heard of that place!” the Vaucluse is a small region south of Gigondas, west of Vacqueryas, with the Rhone Valley to the northwest. It is a beautiful landscape abound with lavender, truffles, honey, and dotted with castles and small villages.

What makes this region perfect for winemaking is its soil similarity to its more famous northerly neighbor Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Much like the latter, the soil in the Vaucluse is comprised of red clay and limestone topped with smooth stones. The poor soil conditions in both areas produce lower yields and grapes with more concentration and character than those grown on richer, more fertile soils. The result is wine with wonderful intensity, flavor and balance. Good for us wine-drinkers. This wine possesses lovely aromas of red fruit and provencal herbs, with a succulent burst of fruit and spice on the palate. It is both juicy and silky at the same time, with a medium body, making it a perfect summer to fall red. A wonderful accompaniment to light summer fare, it can also hold its own with more intensely flavored dishes. And at $10.99, it is one of our best steals in the shop. Enjoy!

Cheers!

PS. A little side history, the Vaucluse was apparently a hotbed of political activity during the French Resistance, home to the family of the infamous Marquis de Sade, and the burial site of existentialist writer Albert Camus. All in little Vaucluse!

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