Julie Karsten Cotes du Rhone Metaphysique des Cuves 2023

Julie Karsten's Cotes du Rhone Metaphysique des Cuves is a gorgeous dry red blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Cinsault that a range of red and black fruit, spice, and hints of chocolate. The quality of the wine far exceeds the value, making it one of the best Rhône blends you can casually enjoy by itself or with a fun meal. The grapes were vinified in either stainless steel or fiberglass tanks with a floating cap of yeast. Aging was up to 2 years; no fining, no filtration.

Food Pairing: Rich, savory beef burgers, grilled pork chops, lamb racks, butter-roasted chicken, duck with earthy herbs, hearty vegetable stews, roasted root vegetables, or marinated mushroom skewers.

From the importer, Terrestrial Wine Company:

Julie Karsten farms 10 hectares of organic Syrah, Grenache, Cinsault, and Mourvèdre in Castillon-du-Gard, near where the Rhône approaches the sea, to the west of Avignon. She inherited the estate in 2008 from her in-laws. Having received no formal winemaking or viticultural training, she learned on the job and through the guidance of her father-in-law. These humble wines are made using natural processes: only indigenous yeasts, ageing in large vats, with only minimal sulphur additions during aging and before bottling. The result is a classic Côtes-du-Rhone made with respect for the vines and the surrounding natural environment.

Julie sums up her philosophy simply: “No synthetic pesticides or herbicides; here it's the love of nature that prevails, healthy agriculture for happy vines, living soils for living wines."