Cold comforts - 86p

The long, cold nights of winter can be harsh, but with a little help from a good bottle of red, the nights can at least be comfortable.

This week we head of to the Rhone Valley again and this time we travel south. Chateau de La Gardine is a tiny estate immediately west of the great Chateauneuf du Pape, which obviously needs no introduction. Although winemaking has been recorded there since the mid 1700s, La Gardine as we know it began when the Brunel family bought the estate in 1947 and set about increasing its quality and production.

La Gardine is easily recognised by its famous moulded bottle that originated in the discovery of a mouth-blown bottle during the digs to expand the cellar. The family name ‘Benjamin Brunel’, crest and motto ‘Angulus Ridet’ grace the surface, Latin for ‘corner of joy’. ‘Brunel de la Gardine’ is the ‘micro-négociant’ range set up to give access to the Brunel label and has become something of an institution for terrific value.

Tasting notes:

​Brunel de la Gardine Côtes du Rhône 2020 - 169,90 kr

​A powerful, full and rich wine. Garnet with a bright violet rim. Shows the typical aromas of the region: red fruit, earthy notes, sweet spice. Juicy, supple and very well balanced with blackberry and a little black pepper. Ideal with food.
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Ideal with food like cured meat and charcuterie boards. The soft tannins and the spiciness of this wine, combine really well with curries, couscous, chilli con carne, barbequed meats, Italian foods, vegetarian dishes and cheese boards. Pretty well everything really!

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