Les Hauts de Cairanne 2016

• Alcohol:
• 13.5% : Vintage:
• 2016 : Appellation:
• Côtes du Rhône-Villages AOP Cairanne : Grape:
• Red Blend

As savvy wine drinkers know, ‘Côtes-du-Rhône Villages’ on the label is a sign of first-rate quality in the bottle. It means a step up from regular ‘Côtes-du-Rhône,’ and many parts of this premium appellation are blessed with the same ideal soil and climate conditions as the southern Rhône’s most famous (and pricey) district, Châteauneuf-du-Pape. You enjoy flavor-packed wines – made with the same Châteauneuf grape varieties – that over-deliver on value.

This exclusive release hails from the famed village of Cairanne and sports a coveted silver medal from Concours de la Foire d’Avignon, a tough local competition. It was crafted by star winemaker Audrey Francon, who hand-selected a classic blend of 70 percent Grenache (for its plump, red-fruit character) and 30 percent Syrah (which brings spicy, black-fruit notes).

She harvested the fruit from premium mountainside plots just north of Vaucluse, near the historic L’Enclave des Papes (‘The Enclave of the Popes’) area. Wines have been made here for centuries. In fact, during the Middle Ages, the village of Cairanne traded hands from the Knights Templar to Pope Jean XXII, with the benefit to the latter said to have been ‘paid in wine.’

In Audrey’s vineyards, famous Châteauneuf-style galet stones act as natural vine radiators. They trap heat during the day and release it to the vines at night, helping to ripen grapes to perfection. Look forward to a deep ruby color, with expressive aromas and flavors of ripe red berries, white pepper and leathery notes – all wrapped up in a velvety texture. It makes a perfect partner for hearty roast game meats (a favorite in the Rhône), a juicy rack of lamb and more.

Discover this acclaimed Rhône red for yourself today.