# Blason du Rhône, Côtes du Rhône Villages (2021)

- **Producer:** Blason du Rhône
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah
- **Region:** Rhône, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Average price:** €8
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blackberry, blueberry, blackcurrant, raspberry, apple, chocolate, herbaceous

## About this wine

Blason du Rhône is a classic expression from the Côtes du Rhône Villages appellation, a step up in quality and specificity from the broader Côtes du Rhône. This 2021 vintage showcases the region's signature blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Syrah, crafted by the producer Blason du Rhône. The 'Villages' designation indicates that the grapes come from one of the 95 communes recognized for producing wines of superior quality within the vast Rhône Valley. This particular vintage has garnered critical acclaim, receiving a notable 90 points from Decanter, highlighting its quality and appeal.

## Interesting facts

- Côtes du Rhône Villages wines represent a higher quality tier than basic Côtes du Rhône.
- The 2021 vintage received a strong 90-point score from Decanter magazine.
- This wine is unoaked, emphasizing pure fruit expression over barrel influence.
- Grenache, the dominant grape, is known for its ripe fruit and warmth in Rhône blends.

## Food pairing

This fruit-forward, full-bodied Côtes du Rhône Villages, with its ripe berry notes and dusting of herbs, pairs beautifully with rich, savory dishes. The wine's robust structure and juicy acidity can cut through the fat of red meats and game, while its fruit intensity complements earthy flavors. The Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre blend provides a balance of fruit, spice, and a hint of savory complexity that harmonizes with hearty, rustic cuisine.

## Wine making process

The winemaking for Blason du Rhône, Côtes du Rhône Villages 2021 focuses on preserving the vibrant fruit characteristics of its Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Syrah blend. A key aspect of its production is that the wine is unoaked. This choice allows the natural fruit flavors and aromatic complexity of the grape varieties to shine through, resulting in a fresh, fruit-forward style that is characteristic of many modern Côtes du Rhône wines designed for earlier enjoyment.