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.

[Innkeeper]

Well, the price has gone up to $11, thanks to the weak dollar. Took some grief about getting three more, but was rewarded tonight when we had one with pan sauteed filet steaks tonight, that were sloshed with aioli. It was accompanied with corn on the cob and salad with vinaigrette. It was wonderful.

[Innkeeper]

Another tonight with grillpanned boneless pork chops in BBQ sauce. Grandkids had fish sticks and shared some potato cakes with us. We had salad in blue cheese dressing with some our OUR OWN tomatoes in it. Kids had leftover spinach. Everybody happy.

[Innkeeper]

Last one tonight with loin lamb chops and limes and sparagus (for her). Simply wonderful. Guys and gals, look for this one.