Cotes-du-Rhone Exclusive

From left:  Maryse and Jean-Pierre Verdeau (Mathilde’s maternal grandparents and founders of Domaine de L’Almadine), Mathilde Suter, and her parents Alex and Sabine Suter

I am particularly proud, having been wine consultant to NTUC FairPrice and NTUC Finest for 20 years, to introduce our newest wines.

This is a trio of two red and a white Cotes-du-Rhone.

One of them is from Seguret.

Recognised as one of the best villages of the Cotes-du-Rhone, it is allowed to carry the Seguret Appellation on its label.

The sourcing, selection, and shipping of the three wines was more than a year in the making.

The tasting was by a panel of five. With three times more wines to make the final cut.

I love white and red Cotes-du-Rhone for their consistent quality and exceptional value-for-money. When in my house in the Var in the south of France, I drink these wines regularly.

On my most recent trip this last October, I drove out to one of the producers in order to write to you about them.

Domaine de L’Amandine is a family-owned, family-managed estate which wines are produced by third-generation Winemaker Mathilde Suter. Her father Alex continues to be involved in the viticulture and winemaking.

Daughter and father are accompanied in their endeavours by Jack, their faithful four-legged Jack Russell.

Mathilde Suter studied oenology at Stellenbosch University, South Africa

Alex Suter is English but grew up in South Africa. At 18, he arrived at Gigondas in the Cotes-du-Rhone and did a wine internship at Maison Gabriel Meffre

Jack the Jack Russell loves nothing more than running about in the vineyard

Domaine de L’Amandine Seguret 2019 and Chateau de Ruth Cotes-du-Rhone 2020 show floral/violet/cherry fruit conveyed by ripe, soft tannins and round freshness. Available at NTUC Finest, they are both priced the same at $39.90.

Delicious on their own the two reds are exceptional with roast turkey, roast and tandoori chicken, roast pork, duck, lamb, beef, and steaks. They are also very enjoyable with mushroom dishes.

As for the white Domaine de L’Amandine Cotes-du-Rhone 2020, be enthralled by its fragrance of roses and peach. Complete with a suggestion of honey. The elegantly creamy texture has a lift on the finish. Do not serve this too chilled. Cool to cold is ideal.

Composed of Viognier, Marsanne, and Roussane, the white Cotes-du-Rhone is outstanding on its own and exceptional with dim sum, sushi, sashimi, tempura, pakora, chicken, pork, fish, prawns, shellfish and doufu dishes.