Old-Timers. Grenache is France’s second most planted grape. Found mostly in the South, as the primary grape in most Chateauneuf-du-Pape and Côtes du Rhône, grenache vines can also live well past their 100th birthday. With age comes lower yields and higher quality.
Old-vine grenache can be deliciously concentrated, with mouth-filling intensity and impressive length; but if harvested too late, it may lack acidity and energy. Heaviness is never something to worry about in wines from Olivier Leriche. Leriche brings a Burgundian balance to all his wines, including his beautiful old-vine Grenache: le Rendez-Vous.
Acclaim and joy. After leaving Burgundy’s prestigious Domaine de l’Arlot in 2011, Leriche acquired a plot of old vine grenache in the Ardèche, and began making wines under the name Domaine des Accoles. Olivier’s first few vintages have been met with much acclaim, and his wines appear in restaurants by Michael Mina and Daniel Boulud, among others. Though his wines are unmistakably southern, Leriche imbues them with a sense of Burgundian finesse and delicacy.
Rendez-Vous is pure old-vine grenache, and is an utter joy to drink. It’s pleasantly rustic in the mouth, showing roasted wild cherry fruit, pan drippings, earth, and smoke. Rendez-Vous 2013 is young and vibrant, and we think best enjoyed with food. We decanted a bottle for a half hour last week and served it with pan-seared steaks.
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ACCOLES Rendez-Vous 2013
Ansonia Retail: $17
case, half-case price: $14.95/bot
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AVAILABLE IN 6- AND 12- BOTTLE LOTS
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