This week, Inter-Rhone is painting the town red as the organisation is doing a wonderful job at hosting Rhône Wine Week Ireland, a celebration of a region so diverse that goes from light and fruity to so full bodied and spicy that you almost feel some bottles should say don’t open till Christmas.

But we’re opening them now! We’re unleashing the warmth of perfectly ripe Syrah, the berryfic charm of Grenache and the peachy loveliness of Viognier. Have a look at the Rhône Wine Week Ireland page to find out more about all that’s going on from the 29th of October to the 5th of November and join the party by opening a bottle of Rhône! We tried and loved this one…

Ferraton Côtes Du Rhône Samorens 2013 is a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault. Ferraton Père & Fils have presence in some of the most prestigious areas of the Rhône Valley and while Côtes Du Rhône can be a bit unpredictable, going with a respected name is a good bet for quality seekers. Ferraton Père & Fils promises wines that are environmentally friendly, loyal to tradition and subtle, and through this bottle, the makers deliver.

Friendly elegance characterises this bright ruby jewel which approaches your senses with the balance, grace and unexpected twists of an aerialist. A swirl and you get fresh cherries and cranberries, another one and a savoury minerality takes over, swirl again and you’ll be surrounded by black pepper and toast.

It takes a strong yet graceful body to make all these moves work, which this wine covers with silk, as its tannins have an acrobat’s soft, assertive step. Palates on a quest to find tannins that dance instead of kick will be delighted. It would even be a good gateway red to introduce your white wine only friends to the dark side.

If you’re looking for a dish to serve along, be mindful not to overshadow the wine with very strong seasoning. A cheese and charcuterie tray works, but if you want to take your time by the fire, try these grilled lamb cutlets, a traditional roast pork or mushrooms stuffed with lamb, ricotta and pesto.

Ferraton Côtes Du Rhône Samorens 2013 is available at O’Briens Wines at €14.95 and it’s currently on offer at €12.95.

Gabriela’s passion for writing is only matched by her love for food and wine. Journalist, confectioner and sommelier, she fell in love with Ireland years ago and moved from Venezuela to Dublin in 2014.

Since then, she has written about and worked in the local food scene, and she’s determined to discover and share the different traditions, flavours and places that have led Irish food and drink to fascinate her.

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