Deep ruby color; cherry, plum, raspberry, spice, garrigue (Rhône Valley scrubland smells), pepper on the nose and palate.
Dry; silky tannins; pleasantly fresh acidity. Medium body. Blend of 75% grenache, 25% syrah. A standard Côtes du Rhône blend where grenache provides fruit forward character and syrah delivers structure and complexity. Grapes come from estate and other vineyards. Babriel Meffre refers to itself as a “négociant-eleveur” that works closely with their grape growers and has a dedicated team to manage their estate vineyards. 14% ABV
The 2023 vintage presented challenges. A dry, mild winter extended into spring, then rain came just at bud break, delaying the traditional cycle, but allowing successful flowering. Drama came in late August with a record heat wave that caused younger vines to shut down, but cooler conditions in September allowed the vines to recover. Harvest was later than normal, but went well. Grapes destemmed. Grape varieties were vinified individually to emphasize their characteristics, with extended time to extract color, tannins, and aromatics. After racking off, wine underwent full malolactic conversion. Wine then blended and aged six months prior to bottling. The wine is produced using vegan-friendly practices.
Gabriel Meffre and his wife Juliette established Maison Gabriel in 1936 as a négociant-vinificateur operation in Gigondas. Over nearly 90 years, the family business evolved into a leading winery in the Southern Rhône Valley, recognized for complementary expertise as both négociant-éleveur (merchant-maturer) and producer. The company produces wines from prestigious appellations including Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, Vacqueyras, and Côtes du Rhône. Its wines are distributed in more than 50 countries worldwide.
Gabriel Meffre “Saint-Nicolas” Côtes du Rhône 2023 aims to deliver elegant, tasty wine at a reasonable price, and this succeeds. Unoaked, full malolactic conversion generously presents darker fruit with amiable tannins and acidity. Honest, well-crafted. Easy on palate and pocketbook at $13-16. Balanced, food-friendly, enjoyable.
Pairing—Grilled, roasted meats; lamb from chops to shanks, beef, grilled sirloin rubbed with herbs and thyme, rosemary, pork. Game meats, venison flank steaks with shallots; duck. Sausages. Roast chicken. Roasted vegetables, vegeterian moussake, chili sin carne. Pasta dishes with tomato-based sauces, lasagna Bolognese. Cheese—Manchego, aged cheddar, comté, asiago, emmenthal; fontina, gruyère; brie, camembert; sheep’s milk cheeses.
