Name of Winery – Bonpas

Name of Wine – Bonpas 2012 Costieres de Nimes

Region – Costieres de Nimes, France. This region is the southernmost in the Rhone Valley, although it was one of the first to have grapes planted  by the Romans. In the 16th and 17th centuries the wines of the Costieres were the wines of choice for the Papal cellars. This is when the wine culture of the region really took hold.

Grapes – Grenache, Syrah, Mouvedre

Characteristics – The finish is soft, velvety and features dark red berries, lavender and pepper

Look – The color is dark crimson/purple and the aromas are very complex for a wine of this price

Smell – Violets and rosemary, raspberry, cherry, and licorice

Taste – The palate is of medium weight and shows layers of flavours that reflect the aromas

Food pairing – The best pairs for this red wine are grilled red meats, game or a charcuterie platter!  For this session members were introduced to a sampling of charcuterie which is the branch of cooking devoted to prepared meat products, such as bacon, ham, sausage, pâtés, and confit. For a charcuterie platter, variety is key. Lay out a mix of cured meats – choose from the wide selection available. Arrange it on large wooden cutting boards or slate platters for an inviting presentation. Plan on 2 to 3 oz (55 to 85 g) of meat per person. Surround meats with small bowls of garnishes, such as mustard, pickles, olives, nuts and marinated artichokes, for interesting, flavourful combinations. Arrange prosciutto-wrapped chunks of melon or figs around the edge of the platter. Offer an array of breads and crackers.