Wines Côtes-du-Rhône Domaine La Grande Ourse - M - 2019

Domaine La Grande Ourse’s Cuvée M 2019 is a classic representation of a Côtes-du-Rhône red wine, hailing from one of France’s most established viticultural areas. This 2019 vintage is likely a blend dominated by Grenache, complemented by Syrah and possibly a touch of Mourvèdre, which is fairly typical of the appellation. The vineyards are rooted in the expansive terroir of the southern Rhône, where the warm Mediterranean influence, pebbly soils, and occasional Mistral wind craft wines of generous fruit, supple structure, and approachable tannins. The vinification process of the estate is generally traditional, with careful extraction to preserve the ripe fruit character and peppery, herbal undertones, allowing the vintage’s personality to come forward. In the glass, expect a rich ruby hue, aromas of black cherry, plum, hints of Provencal herbs, and a lingering spicy finish.

The broader Côtes-du-Rhône region is cherished for its sun-soaked vineyards and diverse soils, where pebbles, clay, and limestone intermingle to create ideal growing conditions for Rhône grape varieties. Historically, the area has served as a cradle for French viticulture since Roman times, and today it remains renowned for its consistent quality and expressive, food-friendly reds. The continental-to-Mediterranean climate ensures ample ripeness while maintaining freshness in the wines, especially in vintages like 2019 that benefited from a warm summer and timely harvest.

Côtes-du-Rhône reds such as this pair beautifully with Southern French cuisine. Consider enjoying this wine with dishes like herb-crusted lamb cutlets, ratatouille, or a slow-cooked daube provençale. Rustic charcuterie, duck confit, or hard regional cheeses such as tomme de chèvre also make excellent accompaniments to the fruit-forward profile and gentle spiciness of the wine.

For optimal enjoyment, decant the wine for 30 minutes and serve it at a temperature of 16-18°C. This will enhance its aromatic complexity and soften the youthful tannins, allowing the full character of the 2019 Cuvée M to reveal itself over the course of the meal.