Hilaire CDR Prestige Rouge 20

St. Hilaire d'Ozilhan is a village located in the Gard, a department between the Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Costières de Nîmes appellations. The sleepy hamlet is comprised mostly of vineyards, dotted with medieval ruins on the hillsides.

The Co-op of Hilaire d'Ozilhan was established in 1929 to organize the village's wine production, and over the years, it's grown to 60 members. In 1956, the group was awarded the Côtes du Rhône appellation for its Prestige blends.

The Co-op is currently under the direction of winemaker René Blisson, and the property was recently awarded the certification of Agriculture Raisonnée for it's nature-friendly and near-organic cultivation and winemaking.

The 2019 Prestige Red is a blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah, grown on a soil of limestone scree and ancient alluvia. In the glass, the bright garnet color opens to a nose of red berry mingling with notes of garigue. Extra bottle aging at the winery results in a velvety smooth mouthfeel -- plummy red fruit notes blend with a lovely hint of spice and smoke.

Pair this with grilled pork and chicken; however, it will do nicely as well with lighter steaks and chops.