G Gonnet Cairanne Le Brave 20

AWM customers know that when the label reads Guillaume Gonnet and has a bird on it, the wine in the bottle will be delicious! Their Le Brave Cairanne is another prime example of Guillaume's winemaking prowess!

Guillaume and Kelly Gonnet are long-time friends of the AWM, and their Bird wines have been a staple at the shop for the last ten-plus years. They have an incredible passion for Rhône varietals, and I'm beyond delighted that we can share their amazing wines in Western North Carolina.

Guillaume comes from a long line of celebrated winemakers and viticulturists and has been deeply influenced by his family's lengthy history in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Kelly delivers a unique and imaginative perspective shaped by her Australian background in the New World. They collaborated to create the Bird Wines, combining Old and New World inspirations while balancing classic Rhône tradition with innovation.

Cairanne is another one of those picture-perfect Southern Rhône villages that you'd love to spend the rest of your life having lunch in its afternoon sun. Aside from being a cherry spot for lunch, Cairanne has earned a reputation for producing superb wines at better prices than most of its better-known neighbors.

Like the prestigious neighboring appellations of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Gigondas, Cairanne focuses on Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre blends, with Grenache usually in the starring role. That, however, is where the similarity ends. Cairanne's terroir — marked by limestone, sand, and clay soils — brings a unique balance and finesse to its wines.

While Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Gigondas are generally known for power and complexity, Cairanne presents a more approachable elegance, usually with less emphasis on oak and more focus on lifted fruit and underlying minerality. Reds from Cairanne have a lovely sense of freshness framed by subtle spice, making them irresistible in the glass and super-versatile with food.

What I appreciate the most about the wines from Cairanne's is the terrific value for the superb quality. While Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Gigondas have become highly sought-after — and the price certainly reflects that — Cairanne remains under the radar for many wine lovers.

Le Brave Cairanne Rouge is a classic Rhône that deftly balances the ripe fruit, honest earthiness, and pleasing spice I prize in Rhône reds. On the nose, you'll love the notes of dark cherry, blackberry, and a touch of plum, framed by classic notes of garrigue and a touch of black pepper. There's a bonus layer of leather and roasted herbs that adds additional complexity. The plush middle palate leans into juicy, dark fruit flavors with ripe tannins and a touch of spice lingering nicely on the finish. It's not a blockbuster; however, plenty of satisfying depth and richness keeps you longing for another sip.

This classic Rhône red will shine with all of your favorite rustic and hearty recipes. We love Le Brave Cairanne Rouge with slow-cooked meats like lamb shanks or beef stew, as the wine's fruit and savory notes marry like a dream into that full-flavored fare. It's also a brilliant match for grilled meats, sausages, and even a well-seasoned roast chicken.