I’m excited to be reviewing another French wine today as so often I’ve found that French wines are stylistically aligned to my taste preferences.  This wine comes from the Corbières appellation in the Languedoc-Roussillon region in Southern France.  This is along the Mediterranean Coast, south of the Cotes du Rhone region, where I’ve found many great value wines.  Corbières is one of the largest wine appellations in France.

The name on this wine, Les Deux Rives, refers to the twin banks of the Canal du Midi built in this region in 1600 by Louis XIV.  The wine is a blend of Grenache 40%, Syrah 30%, Mourvedre 20% and Carignan 10%.

Although it comes from Corbières, it reminds me of a classic Rhone blend on the nose, with a great balance between earth and fruit.  Dusty black raspberry, soft cherry, leather, cocoa and cedar make a delightful bouquet.  The palate is full of ripe fruit, but has a softness to it.  It’s not at all harsh or overpowering, but it’s relatively full. There’s a slight spice mid-palate and some cocoa on the finish. Overall, it’s a great wine, and for the price it’s outstanding.

Wine: Les Deux Rives Corbières Rouge
Variety: Red Blend
Vintage: 2007
Alcohol: 12.5%
Rating: 88
Price: $9.99

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