This column is written by the team at Arrowine & Cheese (4508 Cherry Hill Road). Sign up for the email newsletter and receive exclusive discounts and offers. Order from Arrowine’s expanding online store for curbside pickup or in-store shopping. Have a question? Email thenose@
Near the medieval city of Carcassonne in southwest France lies a wine region that breaks traditional boundaries.
Cabardès, influenced by both Mediterranean sunshine and Atlantic winds, stands as the only French wine appellation that requires winemakers to blend both Bordeaux and Rhône grape varieties in their wines.
This distinctive requirement produces wines that capture the elegance of Bordeaux and the generous fruit character of the Rhône Valley. One notable producer, Château Jouclary, has mastered this balance in their “Tradition” Rouge, a wine that demonstrates the unique potential of this under-the-radar region.
The 2021 vintage combines 30% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc with equal parts Syrah and Grenache, aged in concrete vats to preserve freshness and varietal character. The result is a deep ruby-colored wine offering complex aromas of blackberries and cherry, complemented by subtle notes of violets, herbs, and cocoa. The palate showcases the harmony between Bordeaux’s structural elements and the Rhône’s fruit-forward nature, with elegant tannins supporting layers of black and blue fruit.
While Cabardès remains relatively unknown compared to its famous neighbors, the region’s unique terroir and blending requirements are attracting increased attention from wine enthusiasts seeking new discoveries. Château Jouclary’s “Tradition” Rouge, priced under $20, exemplifies the exceptional value often found in France’s lesser-known appellations.
The wine is available now at Arrowine, where visitors can also explore other selections during weekend tastings!
