Tasting précis by John on Sunday, September 5, 2010.
The Wine
Saint-Chinian ‘Grand Reserve’ 2008 – Maison l’Aiglon – Languedoc, France (Syrah / Grenache)
The Place
Situated in the northern reaches of the Languedoc, Saint-Chinian is best known for offering some of the best values in all of France. Winemakers in Saint-Chinian turn out a large volume of wine (fourth most in the Languedoc), and although there are some clunkers in the bunch, much of the juice that flows from this little hamlet along the Mediterranean represents the essence of country winemaking. Favorites from the Rhone Valley must be used in the production of wine in Saint-Chinian. Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah, Cinsault and Carignan are the allowed varieties. White and rose is also produced.
The Producer
Maison d’Aiglon hand harvests their grapes and uses traditional production methods in the winery. If you are looking for a 21st Century lab techniques, you might as well skip d’Aiglon as they still use concrete tanks during fermentation and extract color and tanning using hand pump-over techniques. Not only does Maison d’Aiglon produce simple and delicious table wine, but they represent what is the essence of French family farming and wine production.
What Does it Taste Like?
Bright fruit jumps out of the glass on the nose and carries on the palate. Blueberries, blackberries and hints of spice fill out the flavor profile. Tannins are moderate as this wine serves as the perfect bistro wine. It pairs nicely with just about any type of grilled or stewed red meat. Because of the balanced acidity in the wine, fattier cheeses and casserole type dishes work as well. For the money, there aren't many better values out there from this neck of the wine world.
How Much Does it Cost?
Most stores will have this little ditty for around $9.99 - which is the same price I paid for the 2005 vintage a few years back.
*Disclaimer - I bought this wine with my own money from a small, family run wine shop in the Jersey City area.
