What is That Wine Supposed to Taste Like? A Comparison of “Old World” and “New World” Rhône Varietals.
Have you ever wondered about the difference between Old World and New World? The WAC Wine Club is proud to present for our May tasting a side by side tasting of recent releases of Mourvèdre, Syrah, and a GSM blend from Washington State and the Rhône Valley.
Old World:
2019 Château de Pibarnon Bandol Rouge Les Restanques (Mourvèdre) :
Château de Pibarnon’s estate’s vineyards overlook the Mediterranean Sea in the Bandol appellation in Provence. A thick-skinned black grape, Mourvèdre has found its favorite soils in the sunny Bandol appellation. Some 3,000 hours of sunshine a year perfectly suit this slow-ripening grape. Rarely found in other cooler French vineyards, Mourvèdre brings harmony, elegance and an amazing ageing capacity to the red wines of sunny Bandol. This wine is a selection of younger vines. Aromas suggest black pepper and Provencal garrigue. Moderate tannins, full bodied red and black fruit flavors. Try with roasted pork or grilled lamb with spring vegetables. 70% Mourvèdre, 30% Grenache.
2020 Domaine la Bouissière Gigondas (GSM)
The vineyards of Domaine la Bouissiere are mountain terroir, with cooler weather and demanding soils, a mix of limestone and clay. The family's Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre vines are mostly older and are very low yielding. Because of the ideal conditions here, the combination of exposure and altitude allows grapes to ripen slowly and evenly. What this means for the wine is more elegance and freshness. Offers aromas of black fruits, pink and white peppers. On the palate flavors of blackberries and blue plums and unctuous texture with silky tannins. Round and velvety, this has an intensity that builds with bitter cherry, smoke and violet on the finish. 75% Grenache, 21% Syrah, 4% Mourvèdre.
Cuilleron Crozes-Hermitage Lieux-Dit-les Chassis
Cuilleron Estates is a producer in the northern Rhône. The estate has been in the Cuilleron family for three generations, but it is the estate’s current owner and winemaker, Yves Cuilleron, who has expanded the size, scope, and scale of the vineyard, land holdings, and winery. The wine is made from a single plot in the town of Mercurol. The color is a deep and intense red. The nose is complex and powerful with notes of spices and licorice. The palate is round, delicious and powerful, the tannins are spicy and subtle. 100% Syrah.
New World :
Rotie Cellars
Rotie Cellars is owned by Sean Boyd, who is also the winemaker. He spent 10 years doing oil and gas exploration before making the leap to wine – so he really knows his geology. The point of Rotie Cellars is to make traditional Rhône Blends with Washington State fruit. To start with, it means lower alcohol, less ripe, less wood, balanced, finesse-driven, mouth coating wines.
2021 Rotie Dre
From the cliffs of Wallula this beast returns. Dark blackberry and black currant - including all the brambles - lead into a massive and layered finish of Herbs de Provence, anise, and graphite. 100% Mourvèdre
2020 Rotie Homage
Sourced from the uplifted ancient riverbed of Snipes Mountain, this vintage is focused and exudes concentrated flavors of red fruits and duck confit with hints of iron and salinity coursing throughout. A savory beauty. 65% Mourvèdre, 20% Grenache, 15% Syrah
2021 Rotie Love Rocks Tab
Ruby red. Pure and fresh red fruits, raspberry and red currants, on the nose. The same purity of red fruits leading into well-lived dark and savory components of traditional Rocks District Syrah. Medium to full-bodied, silky tannin structure and great length. 100% Estate Syrah
