Château Jouclary Cabardes "Tradition" 2021

Alcohol: 14.1%

Grape(s): Syrah, Grenache, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon

Localization: Languedoc, France

Tasting Notes: Nice jammy fruits and cooked cherries with a nice depth on the nose precede a smooth juicy palate. This is a medium-bodied wine, succulent and smooth with lingering bitter cherry flavors.

Notes:  Cabardès is where the influence of the Mediterranean climate and that of the Atlantic meet, and the appellation combines Bordeaux grape varieties with Syrah and Grenache from the south. Each grape variety was picked and vinified separately when fully ripe, undergoing an extended maceration of 30 days with no use of oak.

Food pairing: A great table wine with just about any meal during the week, it is also a home run with cheeseburgers. Also with T-bone steaks with shallot reduction

The Domain: Château Jouclary is run by Robert and Pascal Gianesini in Cabardès, an appellation on the southern slopes of Montagne Noir just outside the medieval, walled city of Carcassonne. The Cabardès appellation is a mix of Atlantic and Mediterranean influences, both in terms of climate, but also of grape varietals, where a minimum of 40% of the blend must be "Atlantic" grapes (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon or Franc) and 40% "Mediterranean" grapes (Syrah or Grenache).