Cave la Comtadine Cotes du Rhone Rouge 21

The Drôme, Ardèche, Vaucluse, Gard, and other off-the-radar regions in the South of France are an absolute treasure-trove of authentic, well-crafted, and remarkably inexpensive gems. It's incredibly fertile ground for our beloved Tuesday Night Wines, and you can bet that I have my sights firmly set on these regions.

The Cave La Comtadine Côtes du Rhône Rouge is a prime example of the fantastic bang-for-the-buck you get in this neck of the woods!

In 1930, twelve families from the village of Puyméras came together to form the Cave La Comtadine, a cooperative cellar dedicated to preserving and promoting the traditions of local viticulture. Wine-growing has long been the agricultural focus in Puyméras, and the culture and tradition of winemaking have been passed down through the generations.

The Comtadine cooperative vineyards are located between the Ouvèze and Aygues Rivers and share the gently rolling hills around the village of Puyméras with a mix of lavender fields, olive groves, and apricot trees. Close to three hundred families make their living through the Comtadine cooperative, tending thirteen hundred hectares of vineyards across the Drôme Provençale and northern Vaucluse.

After a quick swirl, you'll enjoy aromas of black cherry, plum, and spice. The palate is round and juicy, with just the right fruit to balance the soft but present tannins. There's a nice beam of gentle spice that teases the middle palate and lingers nicely through the finish. It's a great all-purpose, medium-bodied red that would be at home with grilled tuna, grilled meats, savory soups, stews, ragouts, and even pasta-pizza.