#Winophiles – Back on the Rhone Again

Back on the Rhone again, making memories with all my friends, I just can’t wait to get back on the Rhone again…..

Well, apparently this entire getting back in the groove of writing about food and wine is not exactly like riding a bike and may require some exercise. Capturing memories of food and wine and sharing them for others to make decisions on whether they want to venture down the road of your palate and pairings is a lot more complicated than people think. Eating and drinking is no longer eating and drinking for the sole enjoyment of the meal, but for the nuances of tasting notes and profiles to share with others. The “why should you buy this wine or make this dish to pair with it” becomes more complicated than “thumbs up, I really liked it.” The photos alone are enough to drive a fairly sane person to drink trying to capture the perfect shot (in this case, I was lucky to even remember to take photos and not just serve the food). I give all the food and wine/cocktail writers out there many kudos because at some point it can be simply overwhelming and exhausting and the simple enjoyment of a meal and bottle of wine with friends and family disappears.

Nevertheless, I was excited when Camilla from Culinary Adventures with Cam reminded of the Cote du Rhone wine pairing event, and with all this time at home with COVID Shelter in Place, it seemed like a good time to get back on the Rhone (not that I ever actually quit drinking – just an extended sabbatical of documenting my drinking). I love French wine. It is my geographical region of choice when it comes to drinking for two reasons – 1) endless options for drinking/pairing at all price points; and 2) wines are meant to be consumed with food and pair beautifully with simple food to lavish meals.

For this event my wine selection was a very cost effective, everyday drinking wine that was found at Total Wine for $13.99 – the 2017 Domaine Coudoulis Lirac. I’m fairly certain that I’ve had this wine numerous times before, but I’m still suffering from COVID/PPP Loan brain exhaustion and nothing seems certain any more. What I know is that though I enjoyed this wine and found it a great bargain for everyday drinking, it simply did not hold up the pairing of Bavette Steak with Tomato-Cumin Vinaigrette (which coincidentally said to pair with wine from Rhone). Where this pairing went wrong is that the steak/dressing combination simply overpowered the wine. The steak was delicious and this vinaigrette is a must make. The wine was delicious but with its medium body simply could not hold up to the acid tomato vinaigrette and cumin spice. The bottom line on this pairing for me was great individual components that were a fail when paired together.

Wine Notes:

Rhone Blend aka GSM (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre)

Medium body, deep berry color, some floral notes and hints of dark fruits

Very smooth on the palate and tasting notes brought out event more when wine is served slightly chilled

ABV 15% a little high for my personal preferences

Join in on the exploration of the Côtes du Rhône wines – you’ll be sure to find something you love that fits every budget.

We will be gathering on Twitter on Saturday Morning September 19^th at 8 am PDT to discuss Côtes du Rhône wines. You can join in by following and using #Winophiles. Read on to hear more about the Côtes du Rhône!