Domaine Rouge Bleu, though fairly new on the scene, is an estate on a mission. That mission is to craft incredibly delicious wines that drink way above their humble price points.
Their Dentelle Rouge is a prime example of that mission in real time. Young vignerons Caroline Jones and Thomas Bertrand are obviously out to "prove something," and it's that their estate deserves mention among the best of the region.
A blend of old vine Carignan and Grenache, this is that very hard-to-find, soulful Southern Rhone that sells for a song. Back up the truck on this deal folks. I'll guarantee you you're going to love this one!
2021 Domaine Rouge Bleu Dentelle Rouge
ORDER NOW in our online store.
If there's one region that I'm really good at selecting wines from, it's the Southern Rhone Valley of France. Think about the many wines and producers we've featured through the years. Piaugier, Amido, Grand Montmirail. Grands Bois, and the list goes on and on.
In my humble opinion, Rouge Bleu's Dentelle Rouge takes the prize for offering the best quality-to-price ratio. Started by Australian Caroline Jones and Frenchman Thomas Bertrand in 2007, the duo own land in the village of Saint Cecile, just a stone's throw from Chateauneuf du Pape.
From the get-go, the couple has focused on old vines, organic and biodynamic farming, and minimal intervention during the winemaking process. Whatever they're doing is working! Their Dentelle Rouge is a blend of 60% Carignan and 40% Grenache fermented in concrete vats with indigenous yeasts.
The finished wine pours a deep ruby color and smells of warm and ripe berries (red, blue, and black), white pepper, Provencal herbs, and just a whiff of nutmeg. Medium-bodied, supple, and smooth, it drinks like a $20-$25 Cotes du Rhone. Far from a simple "bistro red" (even though it is served at AVL's oldest and most loved bistro), this is a lot of wine for the $$!
While this would be great with a wide variety of comfort foods, it drinks just fine without it. Being that I haven't run a Rhone value this great in some time, I suspect this one will sell down fast.
ORDER NOW in our online store.
Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville