Cotes du Rhone – Louis Bernard

Photo credit: me

My recent move to New Westminster (a hip suburb of Vancouver, BC) has provided me with an abundance of time to myself — time I've been filling with delicious wines purchased at the local BC Liquor Store.

The majority of my friends still live in Vancouver, so I've had to undertake this serious task (finding some new go-to wines under $20) all on my own. That is why I've decided to (once again) start sharing my findings with you!

Last night I took a trip to France, or rather the liquor store aisle with the big "FRANCE" sign hanging overhead. I was in the mood for a moderately-priced Syrah and this Louis Bernard Cotes du Rhone fit the bill. It's $13.99 (before taxes and deposit) and it's conveniently available at 94 Liquor Stores throughout British Columbia — not bad, eh?

You're probably asking yourself, "When is the right time to drink this particular wine?" because you've read a bit about wine and noticed that it's always being consumed situationally. Well, I found it pairs perfectly with a long gossipy telephone conversation with your favourite aunt and some leftover Panago pizza.

The pizza was my own creation and featured sweet + smoky tropical sauce, caramelized onions, red peppers, pineapple, banana peppers, and veggie pepperoni, and the lightness of this red was ideal with the sweet and spicy pizza. It even says on the back of the bottle "Delicious with grilled or stewed meats, pizza, poultry or soft cheese."

While I don't advocate for consuming animals or their various by-products, I do think you can follow these suggestions loosely and determine that a blend of Grenache and Syrah (the varietals found commonly in the Cotes du Rhone region) are flexible and won't compete with, or be lost under, the flavours of a variety of dishes.

Another bonus to this bottle? It's traditional French label will make you appear sophisticated at your next dinner party or holiday family gathering.