Every Pierre Perrin wine is good. This, I think, is one of their best examples and the vintage was a great one to age.
The 1983, at 32 years old, Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf-du-Pape is peaking. With 13.6% alcohol, it scored 18 Dionysian points. Rhone wines can develop longer than most people think. The tannin softens (you have to decant) and the black pepper intensifies. Spice and black fruits becomes subtle.
Rhone wines pair with game, especially venison, and go great with cheese dishes. This cost around $19 back then, but the newer vintages cost nearly three times as much but are still worth it. Get and age a few.
The last of my home-grown Jersey peas, baked macaroni and cuts of venison from last season, were all enhanced by the wine. The aged aromas of this bottle made the dish seem like we had someone really important joining us.
This was the ideal dish for a December dinner. Dionysian Pat Ruster, of Tawas, Michigan, would have approved! In vino veritas.
Leave a Reply