Deep ruby-garnet color; strawberry, cherry, blackberry, plum, raspberry, cranberry, spice, licorice, cocoa, garrigue on nose and palate.
Dry; easy-going tannins and balancing, lively acidity make for a smooth, tasty, fun drinker. Medium body. You don’t have to overthink this, just slurp and enjoy the ripe fruits. Blend of grenache noir, carignan, syrah, mourvèdre (winery does not reveal the percentages, but according to the AOC regulations, a minimum of 50% must be grenache noir and syrah or mourvèdre must be 20% combined). Maison Sinnae (formerly Laudun-Chusclan Vignerons) has a policy of not revealing exact percentages of their grape blends. 14% ABV
Located around the villages of Laudun and Chusclan, the Maison Sinnae story begins in ancient Roman times 2,000 years ago. Caesar’s Camp, one of the region’s important archaeological sites, is located on a plateau overlooking the villages. The Romans initiated the vineyard and wine legacy according to research, starting the foundation of the southern Rhône wine region. Maison Sinnae’s name was inspired by Caesar’s love for his first wife, Cornelia Sinnae.
The growers around the villages formed a cooperative in 1925 as Laudun-Chusclan Vignerons. In 1939, another coop—Cave des Vignerons de Chusclan, with an emphasis on red wine, later adding rosé organized in same area. In both there has been an historic emphasis on environmentally friendly viticulture. Many of the coop’s vineyards have HVE (Haute Valeur Environnementale) and Terra Vitis certifications and there is ongoing adoption of organic farming. Typically the wines are fruit-driven and food-friendly—this is an example.
After years of solid growth and building reputation for the adjacent coops, they merged in 2008. In 2018, they rebranded as Maison Sinnae. The coop now represents more than 200 families growing on almost 7,000 acres, making it one of the largest vineyards in the southern Rhône. Annual production is some eight million bottles. They claim their coop embodies “Caesar’s love for Sinnae and the passion of winemakers for their land and their work.”
Maison Sinnae Chusclan Elements Sol, Côtes du Rhône Villages 2021 is fresh, balanced, vibrant with a core of red fruits. Well behaved tannins and balancing acidity make this a fun, easy drinking, uncomplicated, straightforward unpretentious pleasure. Excellent QPR (quality-price ratio). $17
Pairing—Cassoulet (slow-braised beans, sausage, duck), Provençal herbs and lamb, lamb shoulder with thyme; roast chicken with Mediterranean herb, grilled pork sausage; tomato-based pasta (spaghetti with fresh tomato-basil sauce); grilled steaks, rack of ribs. Mushroom risotto, ratatoouille with zucchini, eggplant, bell pepper; lentil stew; mushroom ragout; vegetarian pizza with roasted vegetables and olives. Cheese—Semi-soft and washed rind, Tomme de Savoie, Pont-l’Évêque, reblochon; sheep, goat milk, crottin de chavignol, manchego; comté, gouda; camembert, ossau-iraty, Saint-Marcellin.
