Wine for the Weekend

Ortas Cave de Rasteau “La Domlière” Rasteau, Rhône 2013

We posted on our Facebook page yesterday that red wine season has begun.

Of course, that comment was slightly in jest, as there is no true, definitive red wine season, you are certainly welcome to drink red wine anytime you please, just as you are white.

But taking a few liberties, yesterday’s comfortable, yet slightly cool evening prompted a hankering for a red. As little as last week, crisp, chilled whites were the bottle of the day.

As the weekend weather shows summer’s wind-down the red we’re reaching for is Rasteau, a top village from the southern Rhone, where Syrah, Grenache and Mouvedre grapes make wines that are robust and spicy.

Ortas Cave de Rasteau “La Domlière” Rasteau, Rhône 2013
$15.95 Vintages 222927
This was one of our top picks from the August 8 release and there’s still plenty around in stores. Juicy and fresh with raspberry, cedar and red and black cherry notes. Plush with fine tannin, this is terrific value, and will go with everything from gourmet burgers to a cheese and charcuterie plate. 89 points.