Author: Dirk Chan
Our online feature this week is the Domaine de Cristia Collection Ventoux (Rhone Valley, France) – $19.99, regularly $24.99.
Stretching across the slopes of the Ventoux mountain in the southeastern region of the Rhône River Valley, Cotes du Ventoux wines excels in the production of spicy and characterful red blends based on Grenache, Syrah, and other indigenous varieties and our feature winery this week, Domaine de Cristia fits nicely into this descriptor.
Domaine de Cristia has come on like gangbusters over the last decade, since proprietors Baptiste Grangeon took over from his father in 1999. The style here seems to be a synthesis of old-line tradition with their emphasis on ancient Grenache vines and a healthy respect for modernist techniques and everything they make is outstanding (from Cotes-du-Rhone to Chateauneuf-du-Pape).
Our feature this week is their Collection Ventoux, a 60% Grenache, 40% Syrah classic blend made from 33 year old fruit aged seven months in concrete and steel vats – spicy and full of peppery berry fruit in a fine finessed silky package. Culinary suggestions include a nice slow cooked beef stew with aromatics, cheeses and game. A fine QPR that speaks of the terroir here!
Domaine de Cristia Collection Ventoux (Rhone Valley, France) – $19.99, regularly $24.99