La Font de Papier, Vacqueyras 2016, Rhône, France

Tasting Note: Vacqueyras Rhône wines are required to have at least 50% Grenache with the remainder consisting of syrah and/or Mourvedre, and this wine presents the appellation’s signature in a pleasing black-fruit-forward style.

Deep-intensity purple in color, this wine has an aromatic, medium-plus-intensity nose of blackberry, black plum, red currant, kirsch, red cherry, leather and blossom.

On the palate the dry, full-bodied Vacqueyras has medium-plus-intensity, black-fruit flavors suggested on the nose with hints of black pepper supported by medium acidity and completing with a medium-plus finish.

Complexity abounds in the midpalate with spicy pepper notes adding depth and body.

I’m paring this wine with Coq au Vin, which is a marvelous pairing for this sturdy, under-the-radar Rhône red.