This rampant oenophile enjoys every opportunity to share good wine with good friends. I enjoyed the fellowship and the spicy lasagna with a new and interesting French red with great friends this week.
E. Guigal produces a stellar blend from the Cotes-du-Rhone region that is perfectly poised for warm summer nights and big foods. It's 50% Syrah, 40% Grenache, and 10% Mourvède, that soaks in the skins for extended periods, giving this big wine a deep purple hue and even balance. It's full of plum and red fruit, offers just a hint of dryness that compliments rich foods perfectly, and a silky texture that makes it easy to drink.
The wine is big enough with enough body to stand up to bold or spicy meals, so I plan to have a few bottles on hand for grilling this summer. Whatever the calamity in Europe is doing to their currency, those of us on this side of the pond benefit from favorable exchange rates. So, while we may find many great values in French wines, look for this tremendous value at just $12 a bottle. Buy some to enjoy with friends.
