Dom. Pique-Basse Cotes du Rhone Villages Roaix L'As du Pique 2012

This cuvée is a blend of two varietals, 75% Grenache and 25% syrah.  The vines grow on the slopes of the Ventabren massif in sunny south and south east facing plots situated in the zones known as "Les Camioles" (sandy soil) and "Les Banettes" (clay soil) and give yields of 25-30 hectoliters per hectare with six or seven grape clusters per vine.

The bouquet of this Côtes-du-Rhône Village Roaix is dominated by the grenache varietal.  It opens with notes of blackcurrant liqueur, candied orange peel, and black cherry before developing into a mix of grilled, even smoked spices. On the palate the suave, ample and full-bodied attack of ripe red berries is prolonged by notes of spices and pepper. The result is a perfectly balanced structure with tight-knit tannins. Pair it with a leg of lamb marinated in olive oil and Herbes de Provence, moussaka, or rib steak.