Arc du Rhône 'Villages' GSM 2016
Primary flavours

Blackberry

Red Currant

Red Plum

Clove

Fig

Herbs

Lavender

Spice
Details
This mature Côtes du Rhône Villages is typically full-flavoured, with brambly fruits from the Grenache and then followed with plenty of savoury spice on the finish. There's no oak used in this wine, but it has a richness and a depth all of its own. The Syrah that is used to blend in adds a lovely black pepper and sage component to the wine, and it finishes fresh and juicy.
Arc du Rhône is named after the classified group of villages which together line up to form a geographical arc across the valley of the southern Rhône known locally as the ‘arc of gold’. This collection of wines showcases the classic varieties and blend from this world-famous region! Here the vineyards are mostly chalky-clay soil with a heavy overlay of rounded limestone pebbles (locally called galets roulés). The stones absorb the sunlight heat during the day and slowly radiate it out overnight, leading to healthy ripe grapes that are always filled with sweet fruit flavours. The vinous symphony here is orchestrated by winemaker Julien Dugas. After completing six years of study in oenology and viticulture in the town of Orange (close to Chateauneuf-du-Pape) and with his diploma in his pocket, Dugas was ready to begin his career as a winemaker, with his eye firmly set on the south of France. This career has involved making wine in many of the key villages and vineyards of the Southern Rhône, including the famous Vacqueyras and Châteauneuf-du-Pape (at Domaine Vieux Télégraphe), as well as further afield in South Africa. These days he lends his local knowledge and impeccable work ethic to the Arc du Rhône mission, blending the local varieties into rustic yet soulful wines that really display a sense of place. His winemaking hand is deft and the results speak for themselves - a great expression of the region.
Arc du Rhône is named after the classified group of villages which together line up to form a geographical arc across the valley of the southern Rhône known locally as the ‘arc of gold’. This collection of wines showcases the classic varieties and blend from this world-famous region! Here the vineyards are mostly chalky-clay soil with a heavy overlay of rounded limestone pebbles (locally called galets roulés). The stones absorb the sunlight heat during the day and slowly radiate it out overnight, leading to healthy ripe grapes that are always filled with sweet fruit flavours. The vinous symphony here is orchestrated by winemaker Julien Dugas. After completing six years of study in oenology and viticulture in the town of Orange (close to Chateauneuf-du-Pape) and with his diploma in his pocket, Dugas was ready to begin his career as a winemaker, with his eye firmly set on the south of France. This career has involved making wine in many of the key villages and vineyards of the Southern Rhône, including the famous Vacqueyras and Châteauneuf-du-Pape (at Domaine Vieux Télégraphe), as well as further afield in South Africa. These days he lends his local knowledge and impeccable work ethic to the Arc du Rhône mission, blending the local varieties into rustic yet soulful wines that really display a sense of place. His winemaking hand is deft and the results speak for themselves - a great expression of the region.
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Taste Profile
This wine’s tasting notes.
Sweetness
lowmediumhigh
Body
lightmediumfull
Fruitiness
nonesomelots
Tannins
lowmediumhigh
Acidity
lowmediumhigh
Oak
nonesomelots
Alcohol
low
(under 12%)medium
(12-14%)high
(14%+)
Taste Summary
This wine’s tasting notes are leaning towards full bodied, low sweetness, with medium acidity, some fruitiness, medium tannins, high alcohol and no oak.
Specs
Region
Southern Rhône
country
France
Grape type
Grenache (GSM blend)
Wine Maker
Arc du Rhone
Alcohol
14%
Vintage
2016
Cellar period
5-10 years
Production method
Vegan
Pairing guide
When it comes to food pairing wines which really work with those big family-get-together dishes (we’re talking Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, or roast beef, duck, or ham on a Sunday afternoon), GSM really does do the trick very nicely indeed. This wine just loves roasted meats with rich sauces, but that’s not the be-all-and-end-all of this versatile vino. You’ll also find it works very nicely with mushrooms, peppercorn sauces, and even tuna and salmon served with rich and glossy sauces, too.
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Food

Sandwiches

Pork Sausage

Tomato

Roasted Lamb
Tastes

Rich
Moods

Creative

Romantic
Seasons

Autumn
Recipe Matches
Wine region

Southern Rhône, France
Picture a land of sunny skies and warm, gentle breezes, where the grapes ripen to perfection and the wine flows like water. This is the southern Rhône, a magical place where the wines are rich, spicy, and oh-so-delicious. From bold, full-bodied reds to crisp, white wine made in a range of styles, there's a wine for every palate in the southern Rhône. This is a warm region in southeastern France with a Mediterranean climate, most famous for its red wines, made from grape varieties such as Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre from world-famous appellations such as Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Vacqueyras. And with so many charming wineries to visit and delicious wines to taste, it's no wonder that people flock to this corner of France year after year. So why not join them, and let the southern Rhône cast its spell on you too?
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