Description

Modern styled Rhône made using biodynamic practices. Mordorée makes a great range from the entry level Rosé up to the seriously good Chateauneufs. Red berries and spice, with some earth and rose petal notes in support. There is some   serious structure here for a rosé that makes it all the more refreshing.

Two brothers who bottled their first Chateauneuf du Pape in 1997. They follow biodynamic principles in the vineyard with low cropping to get the best result. De-stemming, long macerations, warm ferments and indigenous yeasts are favoured in the winery. They make modern and clean wines from the Southern Rhone that still retain the flavour and spirit of the appellation. They are delicious too. The rosé and ‘lessers’ appellations are great value and the Chateauneuf wines will rival the greats. Reine des Bois is their reserve cuvee and Dame Rousse their normal wines.

Rhone Valley – One of the great wine regions in the world. Situated along the Rhone river in South East France there is a distinct divide between the Syrah dominant North where the Mistral wind cools and regulates the temperature and the hot lands in the South where Grenache is at its peak. The region produces everything from easy going quaffers to wines that demand long term cellaring.

Carignan – AKA Mazuelo, Cariñena and Samsó. This is a French variety that is often used as a bit player in a blend, generally it involves Grenache. Its late ripening can be problematic or a good insurance policy. In a blend it brings dark colour, high acid and tannin.

Shiraz/Syrah – A bit of a chameleon, Shiraz can change how it looks depending on terroir and/or wine maker influence. The Syrah based wines of Northern Rhone are dry and austere while the Shiraz of Barossa is rich and fleshy. A variety that lends itself to long aging but can be drunk at any time of its evolution.

Garnacha – Spain’s gift to the world. We know it as Grenache and I think everyone has a soft spot for it in some way. Almost too exuberant in expressing its sweet red fruits and high alcohol, it often needs a little bit of other wines to add moderation, structure and depth. Much like Abbott and Costello. Despite this the wines of Priorat, Chateauneuf du Pape, Rioja and Aussie GSMs have an amazing ability to age for the long term.

Mourvedre (Monastrell) – Also known as Mourvedre in France and Mataro in the new world. It is known for making a muscular, tannic, meaty, savoury wine. It is often the backbone of a blend but in places like Alicante, Jumilla and Yecla it is the major if not only variety in the red wine. Aging can vary depending on winemaker influence.

Cinsault – An important supporting grape in a lot of wines from Southern France. It can tolerate the heat but really needs a dry climate to avoid disease. It makes strong black wines that lack a bit of charm without other varieties help. It can really turn it on for textural rosé, especially when an aromatic variety is blended in.