Introduction:
The 2022 Famille Perrin Côtes du Rhône Réserve Rouge is a classic Southern Rhône red blend that delivers richness, spice, and a touch of earthy complexity. It’s a well-balanced wine that is both generous and structured, ideal for casual drinking or pairing with hearty fare. A benchmark wine from a benchmark producer.
Terrior:
Sourced from estate vineyards in the Southern Rhône, including Prébois (gravelly limestone soils) and Vinsobres (terraced, stony, and marl-limestone slopes). The Mediterranean climate — with hot days and cool nights — encourages full phenolic ripening while preserving acidity. These soils and elevations provide both structure and aromatic complexity, especially to the Syrah and Mourvèdre components.
Appearance:
Deep ruby with purple highlights. The wine displays density and vibrancy in the glass, showing youthful clarity and excellent saturation for a medium- to full-bodied Rhône red.
Nose:
Expressive aromas of blackberry, cassis, and ripe plum, lifted by black pepper, licorice, and herbal notes reminiscent of garrigue. A touch of earthiness and smoky spice adds depth, with well-integrated oak influence in the background.
Palate:
Medium- to full-bodied with a plush texture and smooth, rounded tannins. The palate echoes the nose: black fruit leads, followed by pepper, dried herbs, and a savory mineral edge. Mourvèdre adds structure and Syrah brings spice, while Grenache delivers richness and warmth. Fresh acidity keeps the wine lively and balanced throughout.
Finish:
Persistent and harmonious, with lingering dark fruit, soft spice, and a savory, slightly herbal note. Tannins are ripe and supportive, giving the wine both approachability and aging potential over the short to medium term.
Overall Impression:
The 2022 Famille Perrin Côtes du Rhône Réserve Rouge is a textbook example of Southern Rhône craftsmanship. It’s generous yet balanced, offering ripe fruit, soft structure, and subtle complexity. A perfect everyday Rhône red with enough depth and personality to impress, whether sipped solo or paired with food.
Recommended Food Pairing:
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Meat / Fish / Poultry: Herb-crusted lamb chops, roast beef with garlic and herbs, braised short ribs, grilled sausage and peppers
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Vegetarian / Vegetable / Hearty Vegetarian: Ratatouille, lentil and tomato stew, roasted root vegetable gratin, mushroom barley risotto
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Cheese / Charcuterie: Aged Manchego, mature Gouda, firm sheep’s milk cheeses, dry salami, pâté, olive tapenade on crostini
Alcohol by Volume (ABV %): 14%
Farming Practices: Estate-grown; sustainable and organic methods practiced by Famille Perrin
Producer Name: Famille Perrin
Old World / New World: Old World
Country of Origin: France
Region: Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône AOC
Grape Varietals: Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah (approx. 40% Grenache, 40% Mourvèdre, 20% Syrah)
Vintage: 2022
Wine Style: Medium- to full-bodied Southern Rhône blend with dark fruit, spice, and earthy complexity
Winemaking Techniques: Destemmed, fermented in stainless steel tanks; malolactic fermentation; aged in a mix of stainless steel and oak barrels for balance and integration
Pack Size: 750 mL
Container Style: Glass bottle
Closure Style: Cork