Wines Grignan-les-Adhémar Montine - 2020

Viniou Reviews

Château Montine’s 2020 Grignan-les-Adhémar red is a delightful expression of the southern Rhône Valley. This wine is typically crafted from a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and sometimes Mourvèdre, which are all classic grape varieties in this region. The 2020 vintage profited from a warm, dry summer, allowing optimal ripening of the grapes while maintaining a vibrant freshness. The estate’s winemaking generally favours traditional maceration methods, resulting in a wine that combines the generosity of ripe fruit with an elegant, supple structure. The palate usually offers aromas of red berries, plum, violet, and gentle notes of spice and garrigue, with soft tannins and a lingering, silky finish.

Grignan-les-Adhémar is nestled at the northern tip of the southern Rhône, covering gentle hills between Montélimar and the pre-Alps. The region enjoys a Mediterranean climate tempered by mistral winds, which helps to preserve acidity and health in the vines. Soils here are a patchwork of sandy clay, limestone, and pebbles, ideal for producing balanced and expressive wines. While the area has an ancient winemaking heritage — once known as Côteaux du Tricastin — it received its current appellation in 2010, aiming to highlight its distinct terroir and quality.

For food pairings, this supple red lends itself beautifully to Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. It would shine alongside grilled lamb with herbes de Provence, ratatouille, or a traditional daube provençale. The freshness and fruitiness also work well with roast chicken, hard cheeses, or even a rustic charcuterie platter. For a regional approach, try pairing it with local Drôme dishes such as pintade aux olives or a vegetable tian.

To best appreciate this wine, serve it at 16-18°C. Open the bottle about 30 minutes before serving to allow the aromas to unfold. This red can be enjoyed now for its youthful fruit, but will also reward another couple of years’ cellaring for those who prefer softer tannins and evolved complexity.