By Dwight Casimere
Le Prince de Courthezon Cotes du Rhone Prestige 2020 is a wine from southern Rhone that is a regular gold medal winner. At well under $15 a bottle, it is one of the supreme wonders of the modern wine world.
It’s rich full body and luscious fruit-forward profile is a Grenache blend that is as close to a Chateauneuf du Pape as you can get without shelling out double the price. (Note: The grapes come from vineyards right next door to the famed appellation.)
The cellars at Le Prince were founded in 1925 in the historic town of Courthezon, which dates to the medieval reign of the Prince of Orange. The wines are derived from grapes grown on gnarly old vines that are more than 50 years old. Handpicked and pressed in small batches, the vines produce grapes that are highly concentrated.
A blend of 80% Grenache, 15% Syrah and 5% Mourvedre, this is a classic Rhone blend bursting with flavor. Aromas of freshly cut roses meld into flavors of gorgeously ripe, red fruit with hints of vanilla and toasted bread with a hint of baking spices. There’s just a whiff of the dark, rocky soil that created it with soft tannins that give it a nice round feel in the mouth. Enjoy this wine with a variety of dishes and firm cheeses.
Rustic French cuisine is what the locals have. Slow simmering dishes such as Cassoulet, Cog au Vin, and Hearty Beef Braised in the wine with root vegetables and garlic are the order of the day. Go fancy with Rack of Lamb or Roast Duck!
For a simple Saturday night meal, enjoy Nanna’s Lasagna, Meatballs with Spaghetti or Fennel Sausages with Sweet Peppers. This is an unforgettable wine with many possibilities!
A consistent gold Medal winner, Le Prince de Courthezon is winner of the 2021Gilbert and Guillard International Challenge. Be sure to drink responsibly.
