Gauntleys Mixed Wine Cases
There’s No Place Like Rhône - Part 2

This is a six-bottle mixed case, containing 2x each of the following wines:

2019 Cuvée 46 - £17.50 Per Bottle
2015 Beaumes de Venise - £19.10Per Bottle
2017 Côtes du Rhône ‘Les Sables d’Arene - £18.75 Per Bottle

Last week we brought you our ‘There’s No Place Like Rhône’ discovery case, with the goal of introducing you to some of the finest wines we have come across, from appellations outside of our beloved Chateauneuf du Pape, in the Southern Rhône. However, as mentioned in that offer, our love affair with exploring this region has been going over 40 years, and in that time, we have discovered far more incredible domaines and wines, than can be even closely represented in a single mixed case. Therefore, for the sake of fairness, there had to be a sequel. So, without further a dew, we bring to you our ‘There’s No Place Like Rhône – Part 2’ mixed case, a continuation of our vinous journey of discovery, through the Southern Rhone’s vast and varied landscape. Today, we will start by visiting the very south-eastern corner of the Rhône, heading towards the Languedoc, and the often unjustly overlooked, Costières de Nîmes. From there, we will make our way back towards the centre, to an appellation famed for its fortified sweet wines made from Muscat, Beaumes de Venise, whose vineyards hug the slopes around the foot of the stunning limestone monoliths that are the Dentelles de Montmirail. However, never underestimate the silky and gourmand reds that can be produced here! To finish off, don’t let anyone tell you that a ‘simple’ Côtes de Rhône, can never be a showstopper, as we bring you, what we feel is one of the most charming and seductive examples you may ever taste.

2019 Cuvée 46 - Mourgues du Grès

The Cuvée 46 is made from Grenache and old vine Cinsault, and is an enchantingly floral wine, opening on the nose with beautiful aromas of rose petals and crisp red berries. The palate embodies everything you want from the beautiful freshness of natural fruit on the nose, and sings with sumptuous pureness and a rounded mouth feel. A wonderful minerality helps keep the palate precise and clear, and the mouth-watering acidity adds the final piece to the jigsaw. A juicy and voluptuous delight.

2015 Beaumes de Venise – Domaine la Bouïssière

The 2015 Beaumes de Venise, is a blend of 75% Grenache and 25% Syrah. Taken from the vineyards in the most sun cooked terroir of the estate. Grenache is the perfect accomplice to produce a gourmand and suave wine, with charm. The charm is expressed above all through the wine’s pure expression of fruit and perfume, whilst avoiding any of the overripe or cooked flavours that these sun-kissed vineyards could easily inspire. Simply a mark of Thierry’s remarkable skill as a wine maker. After 5 years now of bottle age, this wine is really singing! However, it easily has enough energy and structure for longer aging if you choose. A wine to decant to fully experience.


2017 Côtes du Rhône ‘Les Sables d’Arene’ – Domaine Giraud

Marie’s Côtes du Rhône is one of the most charming and seductive examples you will taste. To call this a Côtes du Rhône is rather underplaying what’s in the bottle. Most of the grapes that produce this wine come from the vineyards of Lirac, which lies on the west bank of the Rhone opposite Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Lirac also shares the same soil type as its illustrious neighbour: large, 'pudding' stones or cailloux, which absorb the heat during the day and warm the vineyards at night. Made from 60% old vine Grenache (around 60 years) planted in the sands, 20% Syrah and 20% Mourvèdre, the 2017 has fantastic perfume, the flavours are soft and alluring with terrific minerality and length. The palate is bursting with delicious, crushed strawberries, wild raspberries, and liquorice. This is nothing short of a top Lirac in all but name and represents incredible value for money when considering what is in the bottle.