The Best Value Wines from France
The best wines from France at the Wine Access 2011 International Value Wine Awards
The word "value” can mean different things, depending on the region and the consumer. Some people might consider $50 good value for Burgundy, but prices under $25 are not often associated with the best wines of the more-celebrated French regions. They’re certainly seen, however, attached to wines from the south of France, including southern Rhône. The top five scores for French wine came from the south: the winning Corbières, three Côtes du Rhône and a Côtes de Roussillon. There is something about the combination of warm, dry terroir and the grapes that thrive there that results in reds with ripe fruit aromas and flavours, but also structure, balance and — in the best cases — a distinct and very attractive herbal component. (Craig Pinhey)
Photo: marcovdz
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A very forward, perfumed, floral and herbal nose leads off this dark purple, enigmatic red, a blend of syrah (45 percent), mourvèdre (20 percent), grenache (20 percent) and carignan (15 percent). It has distinct “grapey” aromas and flavours, probably due to the carbonic maceration used for the carignan. It has very good structure, with firm tannins, and is quirky in an appealing way. A great value example from the south, with power and complexity. Pair with grilled meats, preferably lamb or boar, with plenty of fresh herbs.
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