Deep ruby color; strawberry, blackberry, plum, pepper, dried herbs on the nose; cherry, plum, strawberry, blackberry, raspberry, pepper, sweet tea on the palate.
Dry; subtle, fine-grained tannins, medium acidity. Medium body. Integrates and gets smoother with some air time in glass or decanter. GSM blend of 40% grenache, 40% mourvèdre, 20% syrah. Some tartness from the black fruit notes and smokey, gamey elements delivered by the mourvèdre and pepper by the syrah. The smooth and flavorful grenache underlies the tasting experience. Long finish. 14.5% ABV
The Perrin family owns the famed Château de Beaucastel in Chateauneuf-du-Pape in the southern Rhône. The château is the base of their operation, which produces a number of brands. Jean Pierre Perrin established La Vielle Ferme in Luberon, a massif in central Provence, in 1967. The winery is east of the commune of Orange and north of Avignon.
Perrin originally sold this wine by mail as a straightforward, inexpensive wine in France. When he introduced the wine in the United States in 1970, it quickly became a success thanks to its quality and affordability. That remains its leading attraction today.
Perrin produces a number of wines under different labels. They include Château de Beaucastel, Miraval (using grapes grown on property owned by Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt), Domaine du Clos des Tourelles, Famille Perrin–Sélections Parcellaires, Famille Perrin–Les Crus (this bottle is an example), La Vieille Ferme, and La Vieille Ferme Sparkling.
From the Famille Perrin website: “It is no coincidence Famille Perrin is the leading organic wine grower of the Southern Rhône Valley where they occupy the regions best terroirs. Their values have given them a worldwide reputation for excellence: absolute respect for the soil, a commitment to manual methods and a deep belief that organic viticulture is the only way to express the true essence of the terroir. Moreover the combination of talents within the family ensures the continuation of their unique expertise. Nature and tradition are key to the Famille Perrin way and this approach has continued seamlessly over five generations.”
Famille Perrin Côtes du Rhône Réserve 2019 delivers a pleasing parade of red and black fruit flavors thanks to its grenache-mourvèdre-syrah components. This is the minor league version of Châteauneuf-du-Pape/Gigondas. Great value as an everyday sipper with hearty meat meals. Pair with rich beef cuts, especially roasted meats; lamb—lamb chops; braised and roasted chicken; venison and other wild game; comfort food—meatloaf, pot roast, burgers and sliders, barbecue, slow-cooked brisket. Cheese—very versatile; goat and cow’s milk cheeses; pungent cheeses—affidelice, epoisse, pont l’eveque; soft, washed rind—munster, reblochon; gouda; blue cheese. $11-15
