Domaine Lafond is a favorite in the shop. A multi-generational family winery working to protect their legacy through organic practices across the Southern Rhone. The fruit for their Cotes du Rhone is sourced from their vineyards near Tavel, to the northern part of the region, resulting in more elegant and fresh wines.
The Rhone Valley is blessed with an ideal combination of contrasting climate influences. The round stones that were created by glaciers moving and rolling rivers reflect heat upon the vines to encourage ripening. The stones retain the heat into the night which is needed when the mistral wind starts gusting down the Rhone Valley starting near Dijon. The mistral wind could blow the ears off a donkey. The vines need to be staked down to prevent them from blowing over but the benefit is that it cools the vines and retains acidity, essential for aging.
This blend of Grenache and Syrah shows blackcurrant, bramble and cherry notes. It has a velvety structure and is excellent served slightly chilled. It is incredibly versatile with a wide range of foods & people’s palates. It is one of those wines that everyone will love, even if you have no idea what they like to drink.
