From one of my favorite traditional Chateauneuf-du-Pape producers comes a new wine that's a little different, a lot of fun, and unmistakably Southern Rhone.
Meet Le Petit Oursan, a playful new cuvée from Jean-Paul Versino and the team at Bois de Boursan. The blend is a somewhat unexpected combination of 45% Grenache, 40% Merlot, and 15% Syrah. Merlot isn't exactly a traditional Rhone variety, but you'd never know it from tasting this wine. The aromas and flavors are classic, and it's very much in keeping with the Bois de Boursan house style. I think they've hit a home run here, and I think you're going to like the price too...
It's on for just $15.99/bottle! That's 20% off the regular price of $19.99 and we have 120 bottles up for grabs.
So what's going on here? About 25% of the fruit comes from estate vineyards within Chateauneuf-du-Pape, while the remainder comes from newly acquired vineyards near the village of Jonquieres, just north of the appellation. I think this is a really interesting combination, as the cooler, gravelly clay soils bring a wonderful freshness to the wine, while the Chateauneuf fruit provides some of that unmistakable and richer Southern Rhone character.
Medium-bodied and wonderfully approachable, Le Petit Oursan offers up fresh red and black berries, juicy cherry, a touch of lavender, and lovely earthy, garrigue-driven aromatics. There's a charming rusticity here that I absolutely love, and despite the presence of Merlot in the blend, this really does breathe of traditional Southern Rhone.
It's fresh, lively, character-filled, and downright delicious. No surprise there, as the Versino family has been making wines at Bois de Boursan since 1955. Jean-Paul has a skillful knack for producing wines that capture that classic Mediterranean style, and his newest creation is a terrific little wine that delivers far more than its modest price would suggest.
You've got to try this, folks. I really think this is a new contender for top value Rhone in the shop. Get some to enjoy with Thanksgiving dinner!
Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville
