Score: 88/100
The Côtes du Rhône wines: the Blanc (white), the Rosé (pink), and the Rouge (Red) we’re reviewing here, are without a doubt the most popular, affordable, and approachable in E. Guigal estate’s range.
This very red wine is made of 50 % Syrah, 45 % Grenache, and 5% Mourvèdre from vines averaging 35 years of age.
What’s perhas less common for the area is that it was aged for 1 ½ years in oak foudres, that is to say large oak vats.
So how good is this Red Côtes du Rhone wine by E. Guigal?
The answer is in the tasting notes:
Dark red color, it looks dense and rather inky.
Aromas burst on the nose with warmth and notes of ripe dark berries, some savory leathery tones, and an exuberant spicy peppery character. It smells rich and spicy with a good combination of sweet fruity aromas as well as some savory complexity.
The wine is full-bodied on the palate with solid acidity and good tannic grip. It feels smooth overall though, with the astringency contracting your taste buds just towards the finish.
Flavors are quite intense, jammy notes underlining the overall fruity character of the wine. Peppery spices and roasted cocoa/coffee tones provide depth and weight of flavors.
Overall
A very good wine considering the affordable price. Full of Rhone richness and spiciness. Quite exuberant, upfront ripe berries fruitiness but with also a certain depth.
A solid French partner for rich foods, roasted meats, stews or strong cheeses, at an affordable price. A good entry-ticket to the universe of well-establish Rhone producer in the name of E. Guigal.
Please let me know your thoughts