Swill or Swell: Episode 26

E. Guigal Cotes Du Rhone

Watch the episode here

Welcome to Swill or Swell, a weekly series where I taste grocery store wines and let you know if they’re worth the buck or just meant for the drain! 

CAVEAT! As you read this, please keep in mind that wine is subjective! This means that everyone enjoys different things and something I like might not be something you like and vice versa. I’ll be as objective as I can with facts about the wine’s quality, but in the end if your opinion differs from mine...that’s perfectly fine! Wine is only worth drinking if YOU like drinking it!

LET’S INTRODUCE THE WINE

Today I’ll be tasting E Guigal Côtes du Rhône. I purchased this from Total Wine for $12.97, but keep in mind that the price can vary depending on where you buy it from!

E. GUIGAL CÔTES DU RHÔNE FUN FACTS

Let’s start by talking about the grapes in this wine.

• This blend consists of the grapes: Syrah (50%), Grenache (40%), and Mourvedre (10%). This is known famously as the GSM (Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre) blend.
  
• Grenache adds alcohol and flavors of candied fruit, raspberry, cinnamon spice and ruby red grapefruit.
  
• Syrah has that immediate punch of black fruit and even savory bacon and/or olive flavors. But, it doesn’t have much of a finish.
  
• Mourvedre adds tannin structure, floral notes, and end with a lasting finish.

Now let’s talk a little about the Côtes du Rhône region in France.

• This is in the AOC (short for Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) in Rhone Valley of Southern France and is connected by the Rhone River.
  
• Most Cotes du Rhone appellations are in South Rhone.
  
• They’re in a Meditteranean climate, which means warm summers, mild winters, and less rainfall.
  
• Although, they can experience Le Mistral, which is a savage, cold wind that starts in the Alps and gathers speed and ferocity as it travels South through the Rhone Valley. ​

WINE TASTING NOTES

Look: It’s very unique! Deep, dark red and shiny.
Smell: Fresh fruits with red berries and spices.
Taste: Rounded and smooth tannins. A full-bodied, rich wine, with a long finish.
Think:
Food Pairing - I’d say grilled or roasted meats. Maybe even beef stew!
Occasion - This wine would be perfect if you just got done doing something outside in the chilly weather, and wanted to warm up with hearty food and a good glass of wine!
Rating - I give this a swell!

Want to learn more? Check out my Instagram every Thursday at 5PM PST for a new episode of Swill or Swell! Have a wine you’d like me to taste? Write your request in the comments below or send me a message on Instagram!

Cheers!