Wines Cairanne Chassaux & Fils

Viniou Reviews

Chassaux & Fils Cairanne AOC is a red wine from the southern part of France’s Rhône Valley, specifically the Cairanne appellation which has recently achieved its own cru status. Though the cuvée is non-vintage, the style typically blends Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, the classic varieties for this region. The vineyards around Cairanne benefit from stony alluvial soils and gentle hills, fostering grapes with ripe fruit flavours and fine tannins. Winemaking here tends to highlight both freshness and depth, balancing ripe dark fruit with subtle spice and a savoury edge thanks to careful extraction and ageing, often in concrete or old oak rather than new wood, to preserve fruit purity.

The southern Rhône is renowned for its Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and the Mistral wind which sweeps through the valley, ensuring healthy grapes and concentrated flavours. The soils are varied, but in Cairanne it is common to find a mix of clay, limestone, and galet stones which retain heat and allow for deep rooting. Historically, Cairanne has risen from village Côtes-du-Rhône status to attain cru recognition, thanks to its consistent quality and expressive character, often showing a more refined, elegant structure compared to some of its southern Rhône neighbours.

For food pairing, this Cairanne’s robust yet supple profile makes it an excellent partner for Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. Think of grilled lamb with rosemary, Provençal stews such as ratatouille, or beef daube slow-cooked with herbs. The wine’s depth and spiced notes also make it ideal alongside hard cheeses like aged Comté or Saint-Nectaire. For a regional touch, try it with Gardianne de taureau, a rich bull meat stew from nearby Camargue.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this Cairanne at a temperature between 16 and 18°C. Decanting for about 30 minutes before serving will help the wine reveal its aromatic complexity and soften any youthful tannins, ensuring a harmonious tasting experience.