French wine styles have a certain je ne sais quoi. A delectable quintessence that you just can’t put your finger on. While here in Australia we tend to focus on single varieties, the French have known for thousands of years that some of the best wines in the world are blends of several grapes varieties. Rhône wine blends from the famous Rhône Valley Wine region are the perfect example of this.
The Rhône Valley, located in Southern France, is famous for its red and white wine blends. The first cultivated vines in the region were planted around 600BC, and today has some of the oldest living vines in existence.
The wine producing area which is divided into the sub-regions of Northern Rhône and Southern Rhône and runs along both sides of the picturesque Rhône River. Various wines are made under strict appellation control (AOC) including Chateauneuf-du-Pape being a blend containing up to an amazing 19 different varieties from Southern Rhône.
The most widely known AOC blend from Rhône Valley is the entry level Côtes du Rhône which can utilise grapes from anywhere in Rhône, and is usually dominated by Grenache.
Here in Australia our production of Rhône Style blends, particularly red blends, was a natural evolution from the main vine plantings available to us from the 1960s being Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvedre (also known as Mataro). Since then, the Barossa, McLaren Vale and several others Australian wine regions have been producing our version of a Rhône style red, the classic GSM. This easy drinking, food friendly combination inspired by the typical Rhône style and is perfect for everyday drinking.
The Grenache component imparts light red fruits and spice, the Shiraz adds richer flavours and structure, with the small amount of Mataro giving a touch of earthy and spicy elements. The white wine blend version of a Rhône blend is typically luscious, and generally a mixture of Viognier, Marsanne & Roussanne grapes.
Producing Aussie wine blends true to the original Rhône style, family owned winery Tahbilk are one on the leaders in this area. Established in 1860 and located in the stunning Nagambie Lakes region of central Victoria, Tahbilk is set in among one of the nation’s premium viticultural areas. Purchased by the Purbrick family is 1925, Tahbilk is now home to 5 generations and is part of the elite Australia’s First Families of Wine.
Recently awarded the prestigious James Halliday Winery of the Year, their red and white Rhône Style blends are exceptional quality and value. The red GSM is fresh & flavoursome with ripe dark cherry on the palate with spicy & savoury notes. The white Rousanne Marsanne Viognier (RMV) is rich, textural with apricot and honeysuckle characters balanced by a delightful minerality and good length.
If it’s time to embrace your inner French side and try something different, grab a Rhône style red or white blend, a nice little platter with cured meats & cheese, and make a toast to the wisdom from the home of wine.
Available from Fassina Liquor
Tahbilk 2014 Grenache Shiraz Mourvèdre $19.70ea (Normal Retail $24.99)
Tahbilk 2013 Rousanne Marsanne Viognier $19.70ea (Normal Retail $24.99)
*Specials available from Fassina Liquor until 31-8-2015 or while stocks last.
