Rhône-Style Wine Pairings

Pairing: 2008 Beckmen Vineyards Estate Syrah

Tom and Steve Beckmen specialize in Rhône grapes, and their affordable Syrah is a winner. Delicious blueberry and blackberry flavors are layered with dried herbs, figs and milk chocolate.

Pairing: 2009 Tablas Creek Vineyard Roussanne

Offers a compelling mix of mineral, almond and melon flavors.

Pairing: 2009 Copain Tous Ensemble Syrah

Copain co-owner and winemaker Wells Guthrie’s entry-level Syrah delivers velvety dark-fruit and sassafras notes edged in white pepper.

Pairing: 2009 Zaca Mesa Viognier

A bright citrus nose is followed by apricot in this lithe white.

Pairing: 2008 Halter Ranch Côtes de Paso

Paso Robles’s warm weather helps give this California interpretation of a Côtes-du-Rhône its savory, raspberry flavors.

Pairing: 2009 Foxen Cuvée Jeanne Marie

Foxen’s aromatic, cherry-rich Grenache blend from the Santa Ynez Valley is a masterful Rhône-style red.

Pairing: 2007 Bonny Doon Vineyard Beeswax Vineyard Le Cigare Blanc

Made from Roussanne and Grenache Blanc grapes, this white blend has an aromatic bouquet of succulent peach, honeydew and orange blossoms. Bright acidity electrifies flavors of stone fruit, ripe pear and minerals.

Pairing: 2009 Cline Cashmere

Mourvèdre, Grenache and Syrah yield chocolate and cherry flavors in this lush Rhône-style blend.

Pairing: 2009 Qupé Marsanne

Made with Marsanne that was fermented and aged in neutral oak and a bit of Roussanne aged in French oak for a year, this white shows a thick texture, zesty citrus and minerals.