Other Vermont Wine-Trapp Family Lodge Reds from the Cotes du Rhone tasting

Thursday, October 2nd 4:00 to 6:00

We will be tasting new releases of Côtes du Rhône Reds, for inclusion on our list. Robert Boehme of Vermont Wine Merchants Company will be on hand to discuss the wines and answer any questions. The Cotes du Rhone in Provence is home to some of the most dependable wines at prices that are equally appealing. The reason for the affordability is a combination of the abundance of wine produced and the concentration on making fine wines rather than marketing them. Of the twenty three grape varieties grown in the Cotes du Rhone, Syrah and Grenache are the most commonly used for reds with Mourvedre, Cinsault or Carignan added. Syrah is the only red grape in the northern Rhône, whereas the grenache grape is dominant in the south. Grenache, the second most widely planted grape in the world (due to its dominance in southern France and across Spain) is perfectly suited to the hot, dry and windy climate of the southern Rhône valley, where the infamous and ferocious Mistral serves to cool the grapes at night, and to the region's long growing season. It tends to produce high levels of natural sugar which is why, in a hot summer, many Côtes du Rhônes reached alcohol levels of 13.5 or even 14%. This also explains why Grenache is typically blended with Syrah, which adds a lean backbone and aids in the wine's longevity. The format will be casual, walk around with cheese and bread. The wines featured will be:

Côtes du Rhône, Jean-Luc Colombo, “Les Abeilles” 2005

Côtes du Rhône, Domaine de Couron 2005

Côtes du Ventoux, Domaine des Font-Sane 2005

Crozes-Hermitage, Domaine des Entrefaux 2006

Lirac, Saint Dominique, “Reserve” 2005

A sign-up sheet will be available at the front desk (253-5742 or 800-826-7000) and there will be a $15.00 fee per person.