Tag Archives: cinsault

Turley ‘Bechthold Vineyard’ Cinsault Lodi 2016

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turley cinsault2016

Winery: Beginning with just one vineyard in St. Helena in 1993, Larry Turley established Turley Wine Cellars. Today Turley Wine Cellars consists of 38 different old vine vineyards throughout California. Most the vineyards are single varietal Zinfandel or Petite Sirah [some vines even date back to the 1800’s]. “Larry has never met an old vine vineyard he didn’t like”, and the winery excels at crafting wines from these single vineyards.

Philosophy: “We aim to be stewards of some of California’s most distinctive vineyards,producing authentic wines that reflect their heritage.”

Winemaking: All of Turley’s vineyards are either Certified Organic by California Certified Organic Farmers, or in the process of being certified. A single estate vineyard wine, grapes are sourced from the 25 acre Bechthold Vineyard. Planted in 1886, this is the oldest continuously farmed, non-irrigated Cinsault vineyard in the country. Fermented with indigenous yeasts.

Tasting Notes: Transparent garnet in colour with aromas of rose, black cherry and wisps of sweet smoky mesquite. Bright raspberry and cherry run alongside a streak of concentrated black cherry. Silky tannins compliment the clean fruit finish. Well balanced and super easy drinking, this is fantastic on its own or with a wide variety of dishes.

100% Cinsault
Lodi
California
Produced & Bottled by Turley Wine Cellars
12.5% Alcohol
$23
Enjoy now thru 2018

Domaine Rimbert ‘Cousin Oscar’ Vin de France 2014

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oscar

Consistently one of the most popular wines on my site for the past 2 years, a fantastic, fruity Cinsault from expressive winemaker Jean-Marie Rimbert.

Estate: Jean-Marie Rimbert established Domaine Rimbert in 1996 with just a few parcels of ancient Carignan vines. Today the estate has expanded to 20 hectares spread amongst 40 diverse parcels, each with a different soil composition along with varying vineyard elevations and exposure. Jean-Marie has gained a reputation as a passionate winemaker, consistently crafting wines that express the “character and soul” of where they are from.

Philosophy: To defend the natural diversity of the land and cultivate vineyards with respect for the environment, producing wines that reflect all of the “ beauty depth and flavor originating from those vines”.

Winemaking: Jean-Marie practices organic methods in both the vineyards and winery. Only naturally occurring yeasts are used, along with a minimal amount of filtration. Grapes were sourced from vineyards with Schist soil. Oscar is named after his girlfriend’s cousin “who is apparently irresistible to the ladies”. It is meant to be a fun, soft, drinkable wine for all occasions with friendliness and good humour; “On se l’arrache” on the label warns, “you’ll be fighting over this wine with whomever is present!” [Jean-Marie created the label from designs he put together from 1950’s magazines.]

Tasting Notes: Transparent garnet in colour with engaging aromas of tart fruit and garrigue. Friendly, fresh flavours of cranberry, cherry and red currant are accented by a lively acidity, finishing with a bit of herbaceous spice and more clean fruit notes. Moderate alcohol and a combination of sleek fruit along with rustic herbaceous elements make this fantastic for sipping on its own or with a wide variety of dishes. [Enjoy with a slight chill, 15 minutes in the fridge and the fruit really pops.]

100% Cinsault
Vin de France
France
Bottling details not available
11.5% Alcohol
$12
Enjoy now thru 2017

Chaudière Le Paradou Cinsault Rosé 2014

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paradou rose

Fresh and lively with a zippy finish, a fantastic value that is super easy drinking on its own, and pairs wonderfully with a wide variety of dishes.

Winery: Le Paradou is a project created in 2005 by winemaking brothers Alexandre and Frédéric Chaudière. The Chaudière family has been making wine in the Southern Rhône AOC of Côtes du Ventoux for many generations at Château Pesquié. The word ‘Paradou’ refers to the ancient windmills that once dotted the landscape of the Languedoc.

Philosophy: One of the goals the brothers have with the Le Paradou range is to infuse the wines with the values of living in the south of France; “These pleasures are pure and simple, they are those of sharing and of enjoying the small pleasures in life”.

Winemaking: The Chaudières practice sustainable, integrated farming methods with an emphasis on respect for the environment, and they do not use any chemical fertilizers or pesticides.

Tasting Notes: Brilliant coral-pink in colour with summery aromas of strawberry, rain washed minerals and hints of citrus zest. Fresh, light notes of peach, raspberry and floral hints were complimented by a spicy, crisp, dry finish.

Winery Pairing Suggestions: Ideal as an aperitif, “it will match perfectly with grilled vegetables or white meats, with salad and fresh starters with goat cheese” even spicy dishes. It is also a great pairing with desserts, especially “strawberry or raspberry pies”.

100% Cinsault
Vin de France
France
Mis en Bouteille par SARL Famille Chaudière
12.5% Alcohol
$8
Enjoy now thru 2016

Domaine Rimbert ‘Cousin Oscar’ 2012

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With its fun 1950’s label, and the fact that I am borderline obsessed with Languedoc wines, I effortlessly picked up Domaine Rimbert ‘Cousin Oscar’ 2012. Jean-Marie Rimbert established Domaine Rimbert in 1996 with a goal of cultivating vineyards with respect for the environment, and producing wines that reflect all of the “ beauty depth and flavor originating from those vines”. The 20 hectare estate consists of 40 parcels, each with a slightly different soil composition. All of Jean-Marie’s wines are crafted naturally, he practices agriculture raisonnée, does not use any chemical herbicides or pesticides, employs only naturally occurring yeasts and bottles with a minimum amount of filtration. Jean-Marie has gained a reputation as a passionate winemaker, consistently crafting wines that express the “character and soul” of where they are from. Oscar is meant to be a fun, soft, drinkable wine for all occasions with friendliness and good humour; “On se l’arrache” on the label warns “you’ll be fighting over this wine with whomever is present”!

Dark ruby-red in colour with aromas of wild blackberries and chocolate ganache. Vibrant cherry notes embraced rich vanilla in the medium body, whilst pink peppercorn and hints of chocolate comprised the compact finish. Simple and charming, this is a fantastic glass on its own or with a wide variety of dishes, [try it with a slight chill- it really pops!].

100% Cinsault
Vin de France
France
11.5% Alcohol [front label] 12% Alcohol [back label]
$13
Enjoy now thru 2015