Domaine du Fondreche Nature 2007

With all of the current talk of recession, credit crunch and crisis there has never been a better time to learn more about how to find a value wine. Value can have different meanings depending on the context - it can be referring to a solid wine that retails for under €12 a bottle. However it can also mean a fantastic wine that retails for under €20 and that if you are looking to treat yourself for a special occasion it will not disappoint. Obviously I endeavour to find fantastic bottles under €12 for my readers.

The best tip that I can give you in relation to finding value you wines is to learn more about the wine regions that you really like. For example if you are a big fan of wines from the Rhone Valley then google the Rhone valley and learn more about the sub regions that are close to it. An obvious example of this is with the wines from Chateauneuf du Pape, if you are a fan of these wines why not try a wine from Gigondas or Vacqueryas these wines will give you all of the essential characteristics of the wines but at a much better price point.

A region that you really need to get to know if Rhone Valley wines are your particular cup of tea is the Cote du Ventoux. This region is located in the south eastern part of the Rhone valley is rapidly becoming synonyms with fantastic, high quality wines. These wines are often pretty rustic and very terroir driven. By this I mean that they represent where they come from so you will tend not to get super soft, over the top fruity wines from this part of the Rhone Valley.

So the next time you are looking for a red from the Rhone Valley why not ask your retailer to suggest a wine that is from one of these sub regions as we continue to expand our palates and explore new regions.

A recent darling of the famous wine critic Robert Parker Domaine du Fondreche is producing some of the best wines from the Ventoux. The Nature is a sulphite free wine, which is a blend of 30% Syrah, 20% Grenache and 50% Mouvredre. New world wine fans may want to leave the room at this point, as this is a fabulously rustic, old world wine styled wine.

On the nose there are glorious strawberries, black fruits and a touch of the garrigue - a herbiness to the wine. The fruit is present but dominated to a degree by a fennel, floral components.

On the palate the wine is medium bodied, with a rush of the herbs, a slight touch of burnt rubber and the black fruits following in toe. The finish to this wine is immense with a rush of black cherry, rubber and herbs just taking over your palate. There is great freshness, acidity and balance to this wine.

I absolutely adored this wine, but please note that if you are a fan of New world fruity wines this may not be a wine for you. But if you want to try something very rustic, that represents where it comes from - look no further. If this wine came from a more famous region within the Rhone Valley it would be at least twice the price.

Robertfranciswine - 92 Plus Points

Available from - Cases Wine Warehouse

Price Bracket - €16.95 a bottle [approx]

Related posts:

1. French Bubbles for Under €20 - Seek it out ! Jean Louis Denois Brut Pinot Noir – Chardonnay NV...
2. A Mano Primitivo IGT Puglia - A little belter from Southern Italy ! A Mano Primitivo IGT Puglia A lovely reddy purple colour...
3. Unusual Rhône Valley Blend from Australia Henschke Johann’s Garden 2004 This wine hails from one...
4. Southern Rhone Last week, I described the northern Rhône. This week...
5. The Northern Rhone Posted by Laurence While it’s easy to talk about a...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.