LCBO Sale Pick of the Week: Feb. 13
| LCBO Sale Picks are bottles we review and recommend that are on special at the LCBO. We offer these weekly selections because, at kwäf, we know there’s no need to ever get a bad bottle. But only kwäf Exclusive Offers can be purchased on the site. |
M. Chapoutier 2012 Rasteau (Rhone, France)
Sale $16.45, Regular $19.45
Discount (until March 2): $3.00
LCBO #321539 | 750 mL bottle
Tastes like: Exotically spiced, bright and ripe red and black berries, concentrated by the hot sun, and kissed by smoky oak.
Pairs with: Charcuterie (clichés be damned!), BBQ, tourtière, chicken pot pie or small birds.
Good for: Cold, cold, cold, cold, cold evenings—preferably in front of a roaring fire.
Drink this: Now through 2024.
Alcohol: 14.5%
Why we're drinking this
How about a sweeping generalization? Pretty much anything Chapoutier produces is above average, and much of it is very good to outstanding. The Rasteau region was boosted in status in 2010, recognizing the quality juice coming from the sun-drenched slopes of Southern France. Rasteau is now its own AOP—or Appellation d'Origine Protégée—the French designation for quality wine, and the name is featured prominently on the label. Bonus: The labels are embossed with Braille.
Tasting note
The Mediterranean climate and variety of soils of this Southern Rhone region work together as Mother Nature intended, producing big, bold, somewhat rustic but deeply flavoured and layered wines. This has minimum 50% Grenache, and the balance is Syrah. Expect formidable flavours of ripe, sweet black and red berries and dried herbs. The wine is full-bodied, slightly smoky, pleasantly tannic and beautifully structured. It’s young and full of life. Drink now or lay it down and observe its evolution over the next 10 years or so.
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This week's selection by wine writer and CityBites.ca Editor - Dick Snyder
