Regular readers will know that I consider Cotes du Rhone to be the Holy Grail of red wine. The flavours and weight have a feeling that’s perfect for so many of life’s situations ““ and it delivers good value. Domaine Autrand is certainly big on value, but it also has an earthy, old-fashioned quality that you might remember from times at backstreet bistros in France. Where a few stray dogs add to the nourishing feeling of the experience
Portugal also delivers the rustic experience. This Douro red has the earthy, nourishing feeling of a home-cooked winter meal. The label has a line drawing of the wonderful riverside district in Porto, known as The Ribeira. Great backstreet restaurants here too. ~ ~
DOMAINE AUTRAND 15 Cotes du Rhone, France~ 380675 Vintages $13.95
CAIS DA RIBEIRA 14 Douro Reserva, Portugal~ 523639 Vintages $13.95
What great advice on those two reds, and I’m enjoying the Chiroubles enormously. There’s a good Brouilly, too. The hit for me is a Moueix Bordeaux for $17 where the merlot t is made really interesting by the cabernet franc.