We aim to have all wines be vintage specific. In the case the listed vintage is out of stock and you note you would like that particular vintage, we will inform you via email for approval to go ahead.
About This Wine
In 2015, due to the tiny Grenache yields, Olivier Klein's Les Arbousieres is predominantly old vine Syrah. The final blend weighs in at 70% Syrah and 30% Grenache, which was a surprise given how aromatic and Grenache-y the wine tasted in France. As usual, the fruit comes from a single plot of old vines called Arbousieres - the name references a type of fruit tree that abounds in central France. Rather than just adding tannic weight and high levels of extraction (as many 'old vine' Rhône blends seem to specialise in), this is a finely balanced wine with the poise and finesse, reflecting both the altitude and the limestone rich soils, which are quite unusual in the Southern Rhône. The palate is really fresh and lively with plenty of intense, red cherry and wild strawberry fruit as well as some meaty, peppery complexity and then some floral notes kicking in on the finish. Very fine, pure and classy. Ripe, velveteen tannins complete the picture.
Type | Red Wine |
---|---|
Varietal(s) | Merlot Grenache |
Country | France |
Region | Rhone |
Brand | Domaine La Remejeanne |
Vintage | 2021 |
Wines of Rhone Valley
The Rhone wine region is situation in the south of France in the Rhone Valley. The region is split into north and south with distinctively different winemaking styles. In the north, the main grape used is Syrah and is sometimes blended with white varietals. In the south however, reds are a blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan and Cinsault. You may be familiar with this sort of blend; in Australia it is labelled GSM.
Wines are produced under various Appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) designations. The most prestigious of which is Chateauneuf-du-Pape. You may also have heard of other AOC names such as Gigondas, Hermitage, Lirac, St Joseph. Wines coming from these and other AOCs are all on the higher end of the market.
On the value end we have wines produced in Cotes-du-Rhone AOC. Cotes-du-Rhone often refers to wines made in the Rhone Valley that do not fall under any other AOC, often from the flatter areas around Southern Rhone. However, it also does include the fringes of well-respected northern appellations as well. In terms of volume, a majority of Rhone wine falls under the Cotes-du-Rhone AOC and it offers some of the best value in France and even some first-rate and age-worthy reds.
Full-bodied and flavourful white wine blends are also made in the region. These are typically a combination of Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier.