Full Pull

• By Paul Zitarelli
  Full Pull Southernmost Rhône (+REMINDER: Closed Saturday for Event), 8/25/2017

  (Chateau Teulon Costieres de Nimes Roussanne) REMINDER: Closed Saturday for Event: Reminder that we will not be able to facilitate any pickups this Saturday, due to the second annual Sodo Block Party (tickets available here). We’ll be back to normal pickup hours next weekend. --- Hello friends. On the southernmost tip of the Rhône Valley growing area lies an AOC steeped with regional history. Loved by the Greeks before Roman rule, originally designated part of the Languedoc, the wines of Costieres de Nimes have had many admirers, but have always shared the most similarity with the stylings of the Rhône Valley. So much, in fact, that the grape growers of the region petitioned to be included within the Rhône regional committee, a change that officially took place as recently as 2004. Like many of the furthest outposts of the Rhône region, Costieres de Nimes offers some of the most compelling Rhône expression at the lowest possible price points. We like to think of Costieres de Nimes as the Rhône Valley with a dash of Mediterranean soul—and Chateau Teulon embodies that soul element better than almost anyone in the region. The Teulon family has some of the deepest roots within southern France, and established their Chateau well over 400 years ago. Now, in their 7th generation of winemakers, Chateau Teulon combines traditional Rhône savor with present-day practices. For example, five years ago, the entire estate became wholly certified organic. They are able to do what many are not: effortlessly meld ancient tradition with the world we currently live in. Their wines simultaneously show passion, tradition, and innovation—for less than ten dollars. The Costières soil at Chateau Teulon is made up entirely of Rhône-style rocky alluviums known as brownstone. This soil comes from deposits of the Rhône and Durance rivers, and provides the ideal soil pairing to the vigorous grapes that like to grow in this region. Roussanne thrives here, and is one of the rising star varieties of the region. It’s known for being wildly aromatic, and if not vinified alone, can be found in most of the Costières blanc blends. This bottle is 100% Roussanne and is listed at 13% alcohol. The wine opens with strong aromatics of tropical fruit—mango, pineapple, and melon—and floral white petals. It’s a robust example of Roussanne, but the ever present orange-tinged acidity keeps it light and lively. This is a year-round white, bright enough for hot afternoons and weighted nicely to match a cool fall evening. Similarly, it could be paired with a number of things—from a rich, delicious cheese board to a roasted chicken with apricot glaze. And as a special bonus: