Kim Uncorked: Welcome to my weekly wine recommendation.
Hi, I’m Kim, a passionate lover of wine, food, and any experience that brings the two together! In this weekly blog post, I share my thoughts on a wine that I’ve recently purchased from one of our local independent wine merchants. If you’d like to know more about me, I’ve included a brief bio following the post.
2022 E. Guigal Côtes du Rhône Rouge
Côte du Rhône AOC, France
Everything Wine
$24.49
Various locations
Vancouver, BC
One wine you’ll always find in my home is the E. Guigal Côtes du Rhône Rouge. If you’re looking for a red with plenty of character at an affordable price, keep this on your radar.
Founded in 1946 by Étienne Guigal, E. Guigal has become one of the Rhône Valley’s most respected producers. Based in Ampuis in the Northern Rhône, the family is renowned for its prestigious Côte-Rôtie wines, but its portfolio also includes wines from across the Northern and Southern Rhône, offering a taste of the region at a range of price points.
The 2022 Côtes du Rhône is a blend of 50% Syrah, 40% Grenache, and 10% Mourvèdre. The warm, dry growing season produced a wine with generous fruit and concentration, balanced by the structure and spice that make Rhône reds so appealing.
This classic GSM blend offers aromas and flavours of dark cherry, blackcurrant and plum, layered with liquorice, garrigue, clove and white pepper. The palate is rich and rounded, with velvety tannins and a smooth finish.
At 15% alcohol, this full-bodied red has enough substance to stand up to hearty food. Think slow-braised beef, roasted lamb, gourmet burgers, or a charcuterie board with aged cheeses.
Honestly, this has to be one of the best wines on the market for under $25.
Kim Mead is a Vancouver-based wine and food writer. She holds the WSET Level 3 Award in Wines with Merit, the French Wine Scholar designation with Honours, the Bordeaux Masters designation with Honours, and the Italian Wine Essentials certification. Kim serves as Cellar Master for the Vancouver chapter of the International Wine and Food Society and is a member of the Commanderie de Bordeaux. Follow her @agalandaglass
