Viniou Reviews
Château Beauchêne's Cuvée Grande Réserve 2023 is a classic expression of the Côtes-du-Rhône appellation, crafted predominantly from traditional Rhône varieties such as Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. This blend reflects the rich winemaking heritage of the estate, marrying the robust fruit of Grenache with the spicy, peppery notes of Syrah and the structure of Mourvèdre. The 2023 vintage, known for its favourable conditions, has imparted freshness and vivid fruit character, making it particularly approachable in its youth while retaining the potential to develop nuanced complexity with a few years of cellaring. The Grande Réserve benefits from careful vinification, with gentle extraction to preserve primary fruit flavours and a subtle use of oak, which adds depth without overshadowing the wine’s intrinsic brightness.
The Côtes-du-Rhône region encompasses a vast expanse along the Rhône River, uniting vineyards that share sun-drenched Mediterranean influences and diverse, stony soils. The terroirs, often composed of galets roulés (rounded pebbles), clay, and limestone, are ideally suited to ripening Grenache and its companions, yielding wines that balance generous fruit with lively acidity and supple tannins. This particular region has a winemaking history stretching back to Roman times, and its wines are celebrated for their accessibility and versatility, making them favourites both in France and abroad.
For food pairings, this Côtes-du-Rhône pairs beautifully with grilled or roasted meats—think herb-crusted lamb, hearty beef stews, or simply grilled sausages. It also complements Mediterranean cuisine, such as ratatouille, tapenade, or cassoulet, enhancing the herbaceous and savoury notes in these dishes. Regional cheeses, like Tomme de Provence or Saint-Marcellin, would also be delightful accompaniments.
To fully appreciate the wine’s aromatic complexity and generous texture, serve at a temperature of 16-18°C. Consider decanting for half an hour if enjoying young, to allow the wine to open up and reveal its full range of flavours. The Cuvée Grande Réserve 2023 is enjoyable now for its vibrant fruit, but can also evolve beautifully over the next five years.
