2016 Château de Fontenelles, Renaissance — A Modest Priced Wine with a Decent Punch
From Corbieres, Appellation d’Origine Protégée, in the Languedoc-Roussillon Region in the south of France. This is a blend of Syrah 55%, Grenache 25%, Carignan 10% and Mourvèdre 10 %. On the eyes a deep ruby color and medium viscosity. On the nose aromas of earthiness, smoke and leather. On the palate, you are immediately confronted with an “old world” wine of oak and briarwood flavors. The fruit of the wine is a bit hidden but eventually the black cherries are present. The finish is medium long and the tannins provide just enough edginess to complete the finish.
Paired with slow cooked roast beef with Yukon Gold potatoes. Wonderful on a cold evening in California. The wine and food provided a definite French bistro atmosphere.
Sláinte,
Michael
California Wines & Wineries 