Cellier des Chartreux “Chevalier d’Anthelme” Côtes du Rhône 2021

Alcohol: 14.5%

Grape(s): 65% Grenache, 35% Syrah

Localization: Rhone Valley, France

Tasting Notes: Bright violet ruby in color, this has aromas of lavender, bold blackberry and black plum fruit, and savory notes of sage and anise. The palate shows the berries and cracked pepper of Grenache along with the textured plum and sage character of Syrah. A touch of stony mineral joins on the long finish. Ripe dusty tannins give it structure.

Food pairing: Enjoy it over the next three or four years with burgers, sausages, or a grilled strip steak.

The Domain: Cellier des Chartreux was founded in 1929 and operates in a state-of-the-art winery near the village of Pujaut, between Lirac and the Rhône River, across the river from Châteauneuf du Pape. The fruit grew in vineyards near the river, with clay and limestone soils. Some of the plots have the classic rounded river stones, like the great vineyards of Châteauneuf du Pape. After traditional vinification in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks enjoyed a slow maceration of 20-25 days on the skins, with gentle extraction. A few months of aging in tanks allowed the flavors to harmonize before careful bottling.