This is a new label from the the Autran family of Domaine de Piaugier fame, and it's a rocking good value in high-quality, family-made Cotes du Rhone.
Like the Le Grange de Piaugier, this is a more elegant and refined rendition of Cotes du Rhone. More medium-bodied, balanced, and silky, this is brimming with notes of ripe red berries, white pepper, and Provencal herbs.
I love the purity and freshness of this Pinot Noir-like red, and I think it's the perfect kind of wine to have on-hand for all sorts of occasions.
Maude, Jean-Marc, and Sophie Autran
I conducted a little experiment last week. I did a blind tasting, and had the 2022 Autran CDR side-by-side with with the 2022 Le Grange de Piaugier CDR. Are the wines identical? No, but they are definitely more similar than they are different. Both wines were juicy and fresh, with more medium-bodied and charming personalities.
It was hard for me to pick a favorite, but I loved how both of the wines balanced ripe fruit notes with more zesty flavors. That level of balance is often lacking in Cotes du Rhones at this price point, and this reminds me of the CDR's I cut my teeth on back in the late-90's and early-00's.
This goes with everything or nothing at all, and I love versatile reds like this one. You will too!
Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville
