Labor Day weekend is here. Although summer isn’t technically over for another three weeks or so, we all know that this weekend is the last hurrah. Kids will be back in school and the days will get shorter. It’s time to think about Autumn and wines that work in the seasonal transition. Cotes du Rhone is an appealing choice because of its fruit and spice properties that somehow gently welcome in Fall without a shock to the system.
Case in point is the 2010 Chateau Marjolet which is from a vineyard near Avignon. This regal purple colored wine is comprised of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah. The nose was light with the subtle aroma of cedar and Bing cherry. The taste is predominately cherry and spice with a hint of raspberry. The finish is very dry with firm yet soft tannins. Try this wine with beef based comfort foods like pot roast with plenty of onions or meatloaf and gravy.