Before we get to this week's wine there is an update on one of the stories from last week. As you may remember Vintages is releasing Greetings 2007 Cabernet Merlot from Greenlane Winery (owned by former Brockville resident Robert Paul) on September 10th. A follow-up news release has arrived announcing a chance to taste a variety of Greenlane wines at the Buell St. Bistro on Friday July 29th at 7:00 p.m.
The evening will feature a four-course dinner, each accompanied by select Greenlane wines, including the aforementioned 2007 Cabernet Merlot. Robert Paul will be there to guide diners through the wines and answer questions.
Also tune in Friday at 12:30 to Ontario Today on CBC Radio. Konrad Ejbich, the CBC's resident expert will be discussing Greenlane's 2010 Estate Pinot Gris Riesling, his choice for favourite summer white. Now to this week's wine.
The Rhone region of France continues to be a mystery to the average wine drinker. Part of the problem stems from the fact that Rhone wines seldom carry the name of the grapes used in their production. In a varietal conscious marketplace many draw comfort in knowing the grape varieties in wines.
Another problem is that the Rhone is made up of two distinctive sub-regions. The north produces wines that are mostly 100% varietal, usually Shiraz. Again, there is no mention of the grape in the name. They also tend to be very, very expensive, reaching into the realm of wine collectors. If your first encounter with the Rhone involved Cote-Rotie, Hermitage or Cornas, all long-lived, high priced northern appellations, you might never come back.
However 100 kilometers to the south you come to the home of some of the most remarkable blended wines in the world. They are also very reasonably priced. Oh yes, when I say blended we are talking about up to 13 grape varieties in a single wine! Winemakers in this region are veritable magicians.
The Ogier family began operations in 1859. Today they are one of the oldest and largest firms in the southern Rhone with a reputation for excellent wines that reflect the traditional character of the region. Ogier Heritages Cotes Du Rhone 2010 (CSPC# 535849, $14.95, King Street) is the latest in a long run of excellent vintages and a perfect example of a quality southern Rhone red.
Cote Du Rhone reds are known for their aromatic qualities and Ogier doesn't disappoint with lush strawberry and cherry fruit, chocolate, soft oak and a dusting of spice on the nose. While it falls squarely in the middle of the medium-bodied range Ogier has deep, voluptuous fruit flavours and a fleshy, creamy quality, which tends to make it drink a little above its weight class.       
There is a burst of fresh dark fruit on the palate, particularly black cherry, plum and dark currants. Intermingled with the fruit are mocha, light oak, vanilla and spice flavours. Soft, elegant tannins and generous acidity combine with the fruit to produce a wonderfully balanced wine. The finish has great length and complexity.
Ogier is the definition of a versatile food wine, providing an excellent partner for your Thanksgiving turkey or your next backyard barbecue hamburger. We had our Ogier with a barbecue of grilled chicken and filet and it didn't miss a beat. Team it with red or white meats with confidence. Enjoy!