I attended this class and tasting at The Raleigh Wine Shop on Glenwood Avenue in Raleigh. Most of the featured wines were under $20 a bottle with the exception of the Chateauneuf-du-Pape. We received a handout/study guide with background info on Rhone wines, an aroma wheel, primary grapes grown in the different Rhone regions, grids to record appearance of the wine (color, intensity, clarity,) aromas, palate (sweetness, acidity, tannin, alcohol, body, flavors and finish.) We also had some cheese and olives to try with the different wines. The first wine was a white wine with Viognier adding white flowers to the nose and pear to the flavor.
Next was 2014 Domaine Martin Cotes du Rhone, 80% Grenache, 20% Syrah at 13.5% alcohol by volume. This had a bright fruity aroma and a ruby color, lighter at the rim, semi-transparent. I found raspberry flavor along with other berries and a slight forest note. Others said mushroomy. While light-bodied, it still finished nicely with ripe fruit flavors. It was not very tannic and probably would be best for drinking now to 2017 or maybe 2018. I purchased two bottles at the end of the tasting at $12.99 per bottle--good QPR.
Wine #3 was a 2014 Domaine Chantepierre from Lirac--40% Grenache, 40% Syrah and 20% Mourvedre. A darker color than #2 it was more a burgundy color and had less clarity than #2. It was light- to medium-bodied with slightly grainy tannins and higher in alcohol than the Cotes du Rhone which preceded it. It had more length on the finish than I expected and was a nice pairing with the olives. Others at the tasting mentioned blackberry and blueberry for flavors.
Wine #4 was the 2010 Chateau Gigognan Chateauneuf-du-Pape Clos du Roi. It was purple-red in color and semi-opaque with viscosity. I got black fruit but also some cherry on the nose. In flavor it was dry but fruity and medium-bodied with light tannins. The alcohol was not very noticeable. I would describe it as "elegant." I purchased one bottle at $45.99.
Wine #5 was 2013 Domaine Mucyn Crozes-Hermitage "Les Entrecoeurs" from the Northern Rhone. This Syrah was a dark purple-red color and opaque. The aroma was intense and suggested both black pepper and olive tapenade. It showed medium body and blackberry flavor. Others mentioned salty, briny, savory herbs of Provence. This wine also paired nicely with the olives.
