Page 39 - Sept 2023 Galveston Monthly

The next quality tier up is the Côtes du Rhône villages
with 22 geographical names added to the label to
distinguish the wines provenance; this grouping makes
about 11 percent of the region’s wine. There are also
other small production areas that account for over one-
third of the wine.
The highest quality level in the Rhône valley are the
individual Crus. The Northern Crus produce six percent of
the region’s wine while the Southern Crus produce nine
percent.
These are wines that are very representative of special
sites which showcase each area’s unique territory. it is
interesting to note that the majority of the highest quality
wines from the Rhône valley are imported by the united
States.
Wine from the Rhône valley is very drinkable, food
friendly, and affordable across all the classifications.
Eighty-five percent of the grapes used are Grenache and
Syrah with many other side blenders making a total of
34 grape varieties grown in the region. Syrah is the most
important grape in the north while Grenache dominates
the south.
Certified organic wines represent over 12 percent of the
total production with more producers working toward
achieving that status as the dry, beautiful Mediterranean
climate makes organic grape growing easier than in many
other wine regions around the world.
The majority of Rhône valley wine production is dry, red
wine but the region also makes excellent whites and roses
as well. There are also some high-quality, sweet dessert
wines produced in the region and some sparkling wines
made there as well.
Spec’s currently holds approximately 30 different Rhône
valley wines on the shelf, giving islanders an opportunity
to get a good taste of this renowned region.
There are several cheap and cheerful Côtes du Rhône
options like the very budget-friendly wines by La vielle
ferme brand by famille Perrin which make white, rose,
and red Côte du Rhône wines for under $16 for 1.5-liter
bottles.
A higher priced, but still great-bang-for-the-buck wine,
is the Syrah heavy blend by E. Guigal which offers an
excellent introduction to the region at approximately
$16. The biodynamic/organic offering from Chapoutier rich red fruit with a mineral edge and a hint of oak.
Belleruche Côtes du Rhône Rose is a top pick for pink and for a splurge-worthy cru wine, try the Domaine du Pegau
a great value for under $13. Reserve Chateauneuf du Pape, a rich and intense red
up a level, the Domaine de Cabasse Le Rose villages blend made from 13 different grape varieties, primarily
Seguret features an elegant floral lifted character for Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre. Priced at $77, this wine
$15. The Château Pégau Setier Côtes du Rhône villages depicts the character that made the region and its red
Rouge is loaded with rustic red fruit and spice as well as wines famous.
showcasing the herbaceous garrigue character for which further exploration of what the Rhône valley offers can
continue with the Poulet & fils Clairette de Die Tradition
wines grown near the Mediterranean are known. This
courtesy images wine offers excellent complexity for under $19. sparkling wine made primarily from Muscat and Clairette
grapes with low alcohol and a sweet taste that is best
The best value cru wine is the Domaine des Remizieres
Saint Joseph Rouge for $32. This award-winning red offers
enjoyed with salty snacks and is priced at $19. GM

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