Chat-en-Oeuf Red 2005

Côtes du Ventoux AC, France
13.5% ABV
Government and private stores: $14+

This is an easy to remember label: it features a cat sitting on an egg (literally, a chat en oeuf)! It is also a play-on-words with the well-known Châteauneuf-du-Pape region, which makes for a fun name for a fun wine.

Not that you’ll be confusing this for the more expensive Châteauneuf wines. It’s softer, fruitier, and ready now, but that helps make it a pleasant drink.

The wine is made from Grenache and Syrah (aka, Shiraz). It has a deep garnet colour and aromas of cherries, crushed red fruits, and hints of spices and tobacco. It’s medium bodied and well balanced, with soft tannins, medium acid, lots of fruit (those cherries and red fruits again, plus the spices), and a nice finish.

This is a wine designed to be enjoyed year-round. Right now, this is a good wine for picnicking, weekends at the cabin, or parties on your balcony or patio. It will be nice with many medium bodied foods, including pork, chicken, and pastas with cream or light tomato sauces.