Chateau de Calce, Cotes Du Roussillon

[Innkeeper]

2001 Chateau de Calce, Cotes Du Roussillon ($9.50 Blue Hill Wine Shop). 13% Alcohol. The AOC for this wine is up to 60% Carignan and mandatory 40% blend of Syrah, Mourvedre, and Grenache. We have no idea what the mix in this one is, but understand that the Carignan in the region is being pulled up in great quantity. Don’t know whether this is good or bad. Do know that this is a fabulous wine and a great value as well. It comes from the southwest corner of France smack up against the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean.

The wine has a deep, deep garnet color. Black almost raisiny fruit on the nose and tongue tip is delightful. A very complex mélange of more fruit, spice, and pepper crosses the palate with a very full body and harmless tannin. The finish rings bells. My one and only loved it, asking questions throughout the meal of grilled boneless pork chops over charcoal with hickory smoke in a zesty by not spicy barbeque sauce, and salad with blue cheese dressing. In other words, we will be getting a lot more of this one. It is a great BBQ wine.