ABOUT: Vincent Rochette established his winery in the southern Rhone in 1998 with the fruit from 2 vineyards. The vineyards are planted with a mash up of grapes allowed in the Cotes du Rhone AC, predominately Grenache, followed by Syrah, Clairette, Grenache Blanc and Viognier. The first 8 hectares are in AOC Visan, on ancient stones and garrigue hillsides that have been in his family for 3 generations. The other 12 hectares were purchased by Vincents grandfather in 1962 and rest near the village of Buisson, where the vineyard is located and has a hillside of 100 year old Grenache vines. Both vineyards were certified organic and biodynamic in 2008. TASTE: This unambiguous Chateauneuf du Pape is 100% Grenache with aromas and flavors of blackberries, cherries, chocolate, tobacco leaf, licorice, Provencal herbs, mint, almonds and tomatoes. The body is full and rich, the alcohol is high, the acid is low-ish with ripe, medium strength tannins. This is an exceptional wine with tons of personality and the potential to develop for 10-20 more years. PAIR:Pizza with grilled eggplant and wild mushroom, Kung Pao lentils, Sichuan noodles, and Affidelice pasta bake.
