Wines Côtes-du-Rhône Pascal Chalon - La Grande Ourse - 2019

Pascal Chalon’s 2019 “Cuvée La Grande Ourse” hails from the renowned Côtes-du-Rhône appellation and exemplifies everything enthusiasts love about Rhône reds. This organic cuvée is typically a blend dominated by Grenache, often supported by Syrah and Mourvèdre, reflecting the traditional varietal composition of the southern Rhône, though proportions may vary depending on the vintage and the winemaker’s philosophy. The 2019 vintage was marked by a warm, sunny growing season, resulting in ripe, expressive fruit and well-integrated tannins. The wine is crafted through careful selection of organically grown grapes, with a focus on minimal intervention in both the vineyard and the cellar, allowing the terroir to shine. Expect aromas of ripe red cherry, blackberries and subtle garrigue—those herbaceous, earthy notes so characteristic of the region. On the palate, there’s a pleasing balance between juicy fruit, spice hints and a velvety texture, underscored by a freshness that adds vibrancy to every sip.

The Côtes-du-Rhône region stretches along the Rhône River in southern France, covering a diverse range of villages and vineyard sites. This part of the Rhône Valley is blessed with a Mediterranean climate—long, hot summers and mild winters—which enables full phenolic ripeness in the grapes. The “galets roulés”, or rounded pebbles, often found in the vineyards, help retain heat and encourage slow, even ripening. The appellation itself boasts a winemaking heritage that dates back to Roman times, with a tradition of blending that lends great versatility and consistency to its wines.

“Cuvée La Grande Ourse” will pair beautifully with a range of dishes, especially those that echo the flavours of the region. Think roasted lamb with Provençal herbs, grilled vegetables drizzled with olive oil, or a classic ratatouille. Hearty stews, such as a daube provençale or slow-cooked beef with olives, make for particularly harmonious matches, as do hard French cheeses like Comté or Tomme de Savoie.

For the best tasting experience, serve this wine at 16-18°C, ideally giving it a short decant to allow the aromatic profile to fully open up. Enjoy within the next three to five years to appreciate its fresh fruit character and supple tannins, though a little bottle age will reveal further complexity.