In my never-ending quest for good, cheap, everyday reds, I've bought several negociants' Cotes-du-Ventoux AOC recently. These are pleasing, food-friendly quaffers, as they say, with a good balance of fruit and vinosity. In other words, not too fruit forward and not at all heavy, sweet or hot with excessive alcohol.
The best of the bunch is a 2004 from Delas Freres in (I love this name) Saint-Jean-de-Muzols, a true bargain at $8.99. Composed of 80% grenache and 20% syrah, this is a clean-tasting, light-colored wine that gives the impression of cool-climate vineyards. No oakiness, which in a cheaper wine is a blessing and sign of honest, chip-free winemaking.
The house of Delas has extensive holdings throughout the Rhone region, in appellations high (Condrieu, Gigondas, CdP, etc.) and low; this CdV would seem to be a perfect base wine for the house. For my house and your house, that is, preferably by the case.
Imported by Maisons Marques & Domaines USA of Oakland, CA.
Cannot wait to try this one. $8.99! Nice. I am going on wine searcher right now. I am a sucker for the Rhone.
EVWG
Posted by: East Village Wine Geek | January 26, 2007 at 11:14 AM
I bought mine at First Ave. Vintners, 1st and 54th.
They aren't the cheapest, so you might be able to do even better. If so, let me know!
Posted by: Terry Hughes | January 26, 2007 at 11:24 AM
Delas Freres made mediocre wines for decades before Jacques Grange was brought in to turn things around several years after a new owner came on board. The wines have improved tremendously. I haven't seen the Cotes-du-Ventoux, but I'll look for it.
Posted by: Fredric Koeppel | January 27, 2007 at 04:52 PM