With a chilly Nor’easter hitting Boston this week, it’s finally feeling like Fall. We tend to drink according to dinner menu more than season, but there’s no denying the appeal of a rich, cozy wine when the weather outside turns frightful.
These days we have plenty of mouthfilling wines from all over France, but sometimes the most obvious answer is also the best (thanks, William of Ockham). So with that in mind we’re suggesting Châteauneuf-du-Pape today: the vinous equivalent of comfort food.
The appellation of Châteauneuf-du-Pape makes some of the world’s most sought after wine, much of it built for cellaring. But Christophe Mestre’s small production cuvée requires no patience — it’s rich, smooth, mouthfilling Châteauneuf to be enjoyed in its youth.
Fans of the appellation used to paying well over $50 for bigger names should take note — this is intense, velvety Chateauneuf-du-Pape with a remarkably low price tag. The nose is explosive, with a wide range of notes from violets and pan drippings to strawberry jam and lavender. The mouth is smooth and soft and rich, with a dark red complexion and silky tannins.
Sometimes all you want for dinner is mac and cheese or chicken soup or an omelet. And sometimes all you need in your glass is a comforting, cozy Châteauneuf.
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Mestre Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2018
bottle price: $35