Domaine du Grand Chemin Vin de Pays Duché d'Uzès 2008

One taste of the 2008 Domaine du Grand Chemin Duché d'Uzès is all that is needed to invoke vivid images of Southern France, with its blue, wind-swept skies and scintillating countryside. In fact, this charming Grenache/Syrah blend reminds us of all that is inherently beautiful and enduring about rural France. It recalls the best of Provence and the undulating Midi – a land of scented hillsides, delectable meals, and delicious, quaffable country wines that go down ohhh so easily. Scents of ripe berries, black fruits, and white pepper meld with subtle touches of herbs and spice to tantalize the nose. On the palate the 2008 Domaine du Grand Chemin is fresh and easy, as it radiates warmth and good cheer without a tannic wallop. It provides ideal drinking now in its youth, but our experience with this wine tells us it will continue to improve in bottle for at least another year or two; so, as you like it. For optimal enjoyment, we suggest serving the 2008 Domaine du Grand Chemin between 60º- 66 º F.

The country wines of France provide the perfect companions to the healthy, hearty country fare of rural France, and to a good deal of traditional American food favorites as well. And as the 2008 Domaine du Grand Chemin is the quintessential country red, it pairs as beautifully with Coq au Vin as it does with American country fried chicken, turkey and gravy, hamburgers, steaks, pork barbecue, and even pizza. In fact, one of our favorite foods with the Domaine du Grand Chemin is homemade pizza, made in traditional Provencal style, with a thin crust, fresh tomatoes, plenty of herbs, and two or more types of cheese. One can add prosciutto, pepperoni, or fresh vegetables that have been sautéed in olive oil and roasted garlic to add an extra kick. When accompanied by a cool bottle of Domaine du Grand Chemin Duché d'Uzès, one can smell and taste the South of France. Cassoulets, veal chops, and nearly any meat or vegetable from the grill will ably complement the friendly, tasty Domaine du Grand Chemin, too. Bon appétit!

Domaine du Grand Chemin is located on the foothills of the Cevennes, one of the prettiest and most historic areas of Languedoc Roussillon. Nestled between the Mediterranean Sea and the green valleys of neighboring Auvergne, the Cevennes is blessed with all the charms of Southern France, including an abundance of sunshine, a multitude of microclimates, and soils favorable to the cultivation of the vine. For more than 300 years the Floutier family has tended vines at Domaine du Grand Chemin and produced by all accounts the finest wines of Duché d'Uzès. Today, the estate claims 60 hectares (132 acres) of vines under cultivation and is expertly run by Jean Marc Floutier and his son Emmanuel. With the expert guidance of this father and son team, Domaine du Grand Chemin fashions upwards of a dozen different wines from traditional Languedoc vines as well as several Bordeaux varietals. Nonetheless, the estate’s flagship offering remains the traditional, consistently excellent Duché d'Uzès, an artful blend of Syrah and Grenache that is as easy to drink in its youth as it is when aged to perfection in the bottle.