2005 Terre de Feu, Château Mourgues du Grès, Costières de Nîmes
Mourgues du Grès, located on the west bank of the Rhône at Beaucaire, is commanding considerable attention for its well-made reds using local varieties. Proprietors Anne and Francois Collard's Terre de Feu cuvée is made principally from old-vine Grenache with a little Syrah to balance the wine. A wine of considerable personality, offering scents of wild raspberries and a silky palate. The nose is rich and spicy with wild strawberry fruit and the promise of a broad, fleshy palate. The vine age asserts itself in the magnificent freshness that cleanses the palate and leaves one with an impression of life and vivacity. The tannins are typically Grenache in their fine, powdery nature. The alcohol inevitable in a Grenache in a climate such as this is carried easily by the wine and goes almost unnoticed on a long fresh, finish tinged with strawberry fruit. A delightful wine, this is amazing value.