Wine: F.Jeantet Cotes du Rhone Villages Plan de Dieu
Country: France
Region: Rhone
Designation: Cotes du Rhone Villages Plan de Dieu AOC
Brand/Producer:  F.Jeantet
Grape Varietal: Grenache (at least 40%), Mourvedre and Syrah
ABV: 14.5%
Type: Red
Code: 1880

Tasting Note
This wine is a classic blend of Grenache, Mourvedre and Syrah, all signature Rhone Valley grapes. The initial aromas are of fresh forest fruits with a subtle waft of mocha and a floral note of midnight violet. The palate is rich, warm with luscious round red fruits and some intriguing spicy cinnamon and vanilla notes in the lingering finish. These flavours are even more intensified with a relatively high level of 14.5% alcohol.

Winemaking
The appellation Cotes du Rhone covers the bulk of wine produced in the area. A more select area is Cotes du Rhone Villages which refers to 22 specific villages. Wines under this appellation are usually made with grapes from more than one village. The top designation is Plan de Dieu which refers to an area between the villages in the southern Rhone valley. There are strict regulations such as a minimum of 40% Grenache while the rest of the blend must contain Grenache and Syrah. It achieved AOC status in 2005.
For this wine, grapes from select parcels are vinified with maceration on the skins to extract soft tannins and a higher concentration of fruit flavour. There is no oak treatment so the full fruity characteristics of the wine shine through.

Fun Fact
In the Middle Ages, crossing the southern Rhone valley with bandit-infested forests could mean taking your life into your own hands; all you could do was commit your soul to God.
This could well be the origin of the name “Plan de Dieu”, meaning “God’s Plain”. To give the appellation a more memorable identity, winegrowers designed a special bottle, featuring the embossed words “Plan de Dieu” and the enclave’s coat of arms: a bunch of grapes topped with a halo.

Food pairing
A perfect match for grilled and roasted meats as well Mediterannean and spicy cuisines. Very cheese and charcuterie friendly.

Awards & Accolades
Gold Medal 2019 Gilbert & Gaillard