Synopsis, Our Opinion: A REALLY GREAT WINE.
Producer/Winery: Gilles Gasq; Domaine La Manarine; Travaillan, France.
Grape Variety: Carignan
Geographic Appellation, Region, Country: Vin de France; France.
Vintage: 2015
Price: $14.40 (with a 10% mixed case discount)
Purchased From: The Caviste Wine Shop; Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Paired With: Lamb kabobs with onions, peaches and couscous.
Tasting:
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Opened one hour before drinking. Clear, purple/garnet color with a light purple rim. Intense aromas of cherry, smoke and mushrooms being sauteed. Smooth entry, a tad rustic, mouth-puckering dry, medium body and a 150-grit texture. Juicy ripe flavors of cherry and blackberry with a lingering licorice taste, zesty acidity, abundant grippy tannins and a dawdling finish that is full of spiciness. WOW, WOW this was delicious and an absolute STEAL at only $14.40!!! Fantastic pairing with the lamb, but it made an excellent sipping wine too. The combination of plentiful acidity and lively fruit really gives Carignan varietals a whole new meaning. It was A REALLY GREAT WINE.

Gilles Gasq, Domaine La Manarine owner and wine maker
Photo from Rosenthal Wine Merchant.
Alcohol Content: 13.5%
Closure: Natural cork.
UPC Code: 8 11644 01181 5
Imported by: Rosenthal Wine Merchant; New York, New York.