Provençal Pairings: Wine with Food

Upgraded Again

Winery: Paul Jaboulet Aîné
Cuvée: Côtes du Rhône Villages
Appellation: Côtes du Rhône Villages
Type: Red
Vintage: 2020
Grape Varieties: Grenache 32%, Mourvèdre 26%, Syrah 24%, Carignan 14%, Muscardin 2%, Cinsault 2%
Alcohol: 14.5%
Average Retail Price: U.S. $14

Very rarely in life do you come across a Côtes du Rhône Villages so incredible that it might as well be a Gigondas. Today’s wine is exactly this. A nice upgrade.

It is big and bold, rich and intense, and it paired perfectly with my recipe for Steak with Hatch Chile Cream and Tomato-Corn Salsa. There is some spice involved in the recipe, and some powerful flavor, too — and the wine was a great match for each element of the dish. For the recipe, please visit Cocoa & Lavender.

The nose is aromatic with floral notes of rose and jasmine; it has a grassy herbal side, as well, with hints of thyme and anise.

It is a deep ruby red color and, on the palate, I tasted dark fruits — blackberry, black cherry, and prune. The alcohol was a bit strong when first opened but it receded nicely after the wine had breathed for an hour. It is earthy, full-bodied, and well balanced.

While the wine was perfectly fine pre-food, I think think this Côtes du Rhône Villages is a great food wine. It worked well with my chile-sauced beef, but also with grilled lamb chops and Greek pastitsio. I do think any grilled meat or fowl would work beautifully, and, for the upcoming outdoors season, think of serving this wine with a sliced grilled steak on a salad with fresh tomatoes and avocado — and a walnut oil-lemon-Dijon dressing.

If you can find this wine, I highly recommend getting a few bottles, especially at this fantastic price point.