If you love wines from the Languedoc and Rhône, you'll love this red from Costières de Nîmes.
Wines from the Costières de Nîmes have an identity crisis. They're similar to neighbors in the Languedoc and Provençe, yet very different in many respects. Adding to the confusion, it's the only wine producing region I can recall that has changed both name and regional affiliation. Formerly known as Costières du Gard, the name was changed to Costières de Nîme in 1989. Ten years later, a local organization of growers petitioned the government to change the area's regional designation from the Languedoc to the Rhône. That change was finalized in 2004. The region is also home to some of the oldest vineyards in France with sites planted by the Greeks -- later worked by the Romans during the time of Julius Caesar.
The Camargue
I like to tie it all together and eliminate the confusion by considering Costières de Nîmes part of the Camargue. The Camargue, famous for fleur de sel, the region's hand-harvested sea salt, is part of Western Europe's largest river delta. Over the generations, the confluence of the Rhône river's two arms at this delta helped deposit the same galet (river rocks) prevalent in top areas of the Rhône Valley, notably, Chateauneuf du Pape. Add the influence of a maritime environment, and you have a winning recipe for Syrah, Grenache, and Mouvedre.
The Cave Gallician Co-Op
This outstanding red blend comes from The Cave Gallician, a cooperative founded in 1951. Today, more than eighty families join together to produce wines from 1200 hectares and the collective vineyard holdings stretch from just south of Nimes to the National Park at the Petit Camargue. The coop features vineyards planted mainly in Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre, with all families practicing responsible and sustainable farming methods.
The 2016 Gallician "Prestige" is a blend of 45% Syrah, 40% Grenache, and 15% M Mourvèdre and it's a great example of the value and quality available from this region. In the glass you're greeted with notes of fresh berry compote, plum, and baking spice, leading to a super smooth palate of dark cherry and spice with hints of vanilla and red licorice. The lush palate is like velvet and while there's enough structure and acidity to shine with food, it's a certain candidate for the early fall afternoons and evenings on the porch.
Grab this one by the case!
Regular price here at the AWM: $13.99 per bottle
$12.59 in a 6-pack or case, solid or mixed
$11.89 in a case, solid or mixed
Ask for a taste! We'll have this on the on the Coravin; available for a limited time for you to try before you buy.
Don't worry if you can't make it into the shop. Just phone with a credit card number and we'll hold your purchase in our 55-degree cellar for pickup at your convenience.