2000 Belleruche Cotes-du-Rhone

[wondersofwine]

This is one of only two bottles I bought at the Pinehurst Wine Festival. From Michel Chapoutier, Paterno Wines International. Chapoutier "has been at the forefront of converting to biodynamie" (environmental practices avoiding pesticides, etc.)
100% Grenache
13% alcohol, color: dark ruby, nearly opaque
aroma: dark fruits; taste: black currant, dark cherries, mild tannins
light body; good value at $10 or $11 per bottle; enjoyed with beef stew.
Pleasant dinner wine without making any great impression. Chapoutier is mentioned in Andrea Zimmer's Great Wines Made Simple as one of the Rhone's best produces. This, of course, is not one of the producer's high-end wines. (suggested pairing on the Internet: Parrano cheese and Cocktail Assortment Olives or Green Pimiento-Stuffed Olives).

[This message has been edited by wondersofwine (edited 09-09-2002).]

[thewoodman]

Wonders...I agree with your characterization that this is unremarkable, For the $10-11 price tag there are a lot of good CdR's out there.

[wondersofwine]

thewoodman,
Any in particular that are usually available that you would recommend?

[Innkeeper]

Have you tried the usually reliable and widely available PJA ~45?

[wondersofwine]

No, I haven't. Will look for that.