Wines Unspecified Rhonéa - Les Contreforts - 2019

Rhonéa’s Cuvée Les Contreforts 2019 is a red wine from the Rhône Valley, crafted in a vintage known for warm weather and generous ripeness. While the precise blend is not specified, Rhône reds are often composed of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, or similar traditional varietals. Wines from this region typically showcase expressive fruit—from ripe raspberry and plum to black pepper and aromatic herbs—supported by supple tannins and vibrant acidity. The vinification methods in the Rhône tend to favour both stainless steel and large old oak vats, preserving freshness while allowing for moderate complexity, though styles can range from juicy and approachable to structured and age-worthy.

The Rhône Valley itself is one of France’s most celebrated wine regions, tracing the sinuous course of the Rhône River from Lyon towards the Mediterranean. In the southern part, where most approachable reds are made, the climate is Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Gravelly, stony soils soak up the day’s warmth, encouraging full ripening, while the Mistral wind helps keep the vines healthy. The region boasts a long history of winemaking, with a reputation rooted in producing generous, food-friendly wines with distinctive regional character.

Given the likely style—fruity, lively, and mid-weight—Cuvée Les Contreforts 2019 is a versatile partner at the table. It pairs beautifully with Provençal and Mediterranean dishes such as ratatouille, grilled lamb seasoned with rosemary, or duck with olives. Equally, its soft tannins and aromatic lift suit rustic charcuterie or hard cheeses like Cantal. For a more local touch, try it with daube de bœuf or herby roast vegetables.

For optimum enjoyment, serve this wine slightly cool—around 16–18°C—to enhance the freshness of the fruit and avoid accentuating the alcohol. Decanting for half an hour before serving can heighten the aromas and soften the tannins, making for a more seamless and pleasurable tasting experience. This is a wine best enjoyed within five to seven years of the vintage to capture its vibrant, youthful core.