Rhône, France
Cotes du Rhône AOC
Between Nîmes, Tavel and Avignon, Pierre Jauffret and Nadine Auray work 20 ha of vines in the village Rochefort du Gard. They started Chateau Terre Forte in 2000 after training in Napa Valley, returning to his family’s village. The wines are vibrant and fresh with notable acidity in a region traditionally victim to extreme heat, over-extraction and over-oaking. Pierre also makes wines across the street at his parents’ winery Domaine de la Rouvière.
Located in the Southern Rhône just west of Avignon, Château Terre Forte are making wines with great care for the environment working both organically and biodynamically. Rouge! is a blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre & Syrah that leans heavily into the aromatic and fruity end of the spectrum with bright berry fruits on the nose, some brambly herbs, touches of black peppercorn and clove and an iron-like almost sanguine characteristic. The finish is savoury and spicy through all that luscious, juicy fruit and wraps with a balance of tannin and bright acidity. This tends to linger on the palate with an impressive mouthfeel at this price point. Medium-bodied.
If you're feeling fancy, try this with a prime rib dinner but if you're feeling a little less inclined for that kind of cooking commitment then square this up next to a cheese plate, some paper plates and disposable napkins.