23 Southern Rhône Values

An excellent introduction to the Grenache-based wines of the Southern Rhône at prices that won't turn you away

James Molesworth
Posted: March 5, 2010

The Southern Rhône enjoyed an excellent year in 2007--ripe, lush, flattering wines abound. Things will be trickier in 2008, however. It was a variable growing season with moisture and disease pressure that led to lower yields and more inconsistent wines marked by sometimes slightly jangly acidity. There will be successes, though. Here's a selection of newly released wines that straddles the two years.

Southern Rhône reds rely primarily on the Grenache grape, known for its silky raspberry flavors and bright minerality, with varying amounts of Syrah (floral notes), Mourvèdre (structure and muscle), Cinsault (pepper and spice) and other grapes blended in. While Châteauneuf-du-Pape dominates in terms of prestige and value, there's an ocean of both equally serious wine as well as delicious values to be had from the other appellations as well.

Gigondas and Vacqueyras provide mouthfilling reds with solid grip and good mid-term aging potential. Gigondas tends to be the longer lived of the two, with more perfume and minerality; Vacqueyras is more rounded in feel. The Château du Trignon and Domaine Le Couroulu bottlings that lead the way here are textbook introductions to their respective appellations.

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CHÂTEAU DU TRIGNON Gigondas 2007 Score: 91

Nicely rounded, with a solid core of mulled plum, dark currant and fig paste flavors, kept lively by nicely integrated acidity and a long, black tea- and mineral-filled finish. This has weight, but stays stylish. Drink now through 2013. --J.M.

CHÂTEAU DU TRIGNON Côtes du Rhône-Villages Sablet 2007 Score: 90

This has the juicy raspberry and boysenberry fruit of the vintage, along with a racy underpinning of damson plum, black tea and minerality that keeps it all harnessed through the long, perfumy finish. Drink now through 2011 --J.M.

CHÂTEAU DU TRIGNON Vacqueyras 2007 Score: 89

Rather fresh and stylish for the appellation, with a perfumy, floral edge to the red cherry, red currant and pomegranate notes. The rounded finish lets black tea and toast linger gently. Drink now.--J.M.

CHÂTEAU DU TRIGNON Côtes du Rhône-Villages Plan de Dieu 2007 Score: 88

Ripe and forward, with tasty plum, blackberry and red currant fruit mingling with hints of red licorice and mesquite. The finish is open and fresh. Drink now. --J.M.