Domaine de la Janasse, Terre de Bussiere, Principaute d'Orange IGP, 2022

With inviting aromas of blackberries, peppery rasperries and cherry jam, this wine smells very like Cotes du Rhone, and yet its flavours and structure are suggestive of Bordeaux, with hints of pencil shavings and green pepper. This makes sense when you know that it is made from a combination of the Rhone's Syrah and Grenache, together with the Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon more typical of Bordeaux. The Cabernet in particular contributes structure to the wine, which shows some earthy tannins, although these become more integrated after decanting. The Bussiere vineyard has gravelly soil, like much of Bordeaux, which influenced the choice of vine varieties planted. It is located next to the Ouveze river, in Courthezon, the commune adjacent to Chateauneuf-du-Pape.