Elicio IGP Mediterranee Grenache-Merlot 20

We're very fortunate indeed to have some very talented and dedicated wine importers in Western North Carolina. We're even luckier to have my good friend Jean-Philippe Bourgeois right here in Asheville. Although he's based here in town, Philippe is a national importer, and he sells his wines in some of the best shops all across the country.

I first met Philippe some twenty years ago, after moving to Asheville to work here at the shop. I was immediately impressed with Philippe's portfolio and his unwavering drive to find the best, most reasonably priced wines Europe has to offer.
Philippe specializes in European wines; however, the really exciting stuff comes from his home turf of France. His selections from the Rhône Valley and the Languedoc are especially remarkable, and in most cases, Philippe is intimately involved in the blending and aging process.

Philippe specializes in European wines; however, the really exciting stuff comes from his home turf of France. His selections from the Rhône Valley and the Languedoc are especially remarkable, and in most cases, Philippe is intimately involved in the blending and aging process.

We've consistently featured Philippe's Elicio Red, White, and Rosé for years, and I feel that they represent a terrific bang for the buck. I'm delighted to report that the Elicio Red has just arrived in stock, and I'm able to feature it at an even better price than last year! --Insider tip: the delicious Elicio White and Pink are also on the way--

Since I've long admired Philippe's turn of a phrase with his wine descriptions, I'm featuring his personal note on the Elicio Red.

Blend: 50% Merlot, 50% Grenache
Aging: 10 to 20 years old vines aged in concrete tanks for 6 to 8 months

Made by Xavier Logette, this unusual blend surprises with its freshness and versatile, easy drinkability, but is still unmistakably of the warm and lush Southern Rhône. Packed with fresh blackberry and blueberry, prominent brown spices and a floral delicacy round out this deceptively complex wine. A round and very fruit-forward wine to be enjoyed by itself or all your meals, and very well-suited to smoky and spicy foods like BBQ. Serve at 16-18° C or slightly cold (14° C) in the summer.