2019 Penya Rouge, Cotes Catalanes, Languedoc-Roussillon, France (750ml)
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A lively and sappy blend with bright red berry and plum notes and a touch of garrigue, that term the French use suggesting hillsides of wild sage and sun-warmed scrub brush. 65% Grenache, 20% Carignan, 10% Mourvèdre, 5% Syrah. A great choice if you are expecting a crowd and appreciate having only one mortgage! Producer notes ~ "Cases de Pene is a tiny village in the Roussillon region of Southern France, just 30 miles north of Spain. Ceded to France in the mid 17th century, the area is still known as “French Catalonia”. We celebrate this heritage with the Catalan spelling of the ancient Château and village Cooperative: “Penya”.
VINEYARDS ~ Nearly 1,000 acres total; 400 acres red varietals: Syrah, Carignan, Grenache, Merlot and Cabernet; 12 acres Chardonnay and Viognier; 370 acres Muscat d’Alexandrie and Muscat à Petits Grains; also Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris and Macabeo for Rivesaltes sweet wines. APPELLATION ~ Vin de Pays des Côtes Catalanes. VITICULTURE ~ Yields of 2.4 tons/acre, produced from vines averaging 40 years. VINIFICATION ~ Fermented in temperature controlled cuves for 12 days, then matured in tank. Unoaked. ALCOHOL 14.5%. TASTING NOTES ~ This medium-bodied blend is packed with flavor, offering aromas of plums & cherries with smoky notes. The palate yields red and black fruits, spices, a hint of bacon, and silky tannins. SERVE WITH Enjoy with a variety of everyday foods including pizza, pasta and burgers, as well as Mediterranean classics like ratatouille, cassoulet and stuffed tomatoes. It is also excellent with fish!"