Med Bag of Chips

Ham, cheddar cheese, fresh tomatoes, and arugula.

Ham and Cheese Sandwich

Sliced turkey, lettuce, tomato, and mustard in a whole wheat wrap.

Fit Turkey Wrap

Check the bottle for a clean cork and absence of leakage. Ensure label reads 2022 La Manarine Grenache, Côtes du Rhône, France.

Inspect bottle

Choose large-bowled red wine glasses (Bordeaux/Petit Verdot style) to allow the wine to breathe and aromas to develop.

Select glassware

Grenache-based Côtes du Rhône is best served slightly cool to cellar temperature: about 14–16°C (57–61°F). If the bottle is at room temperature (above 20°C), chill it in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes. If too cold, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.

Determine serving temperature

Decant the wine 30–60 minutes before serving if you prefer more open aromatics and softer tannins. Pour gently into a decanter, keeping an eye for any sediment (more likely in older bottles). For a 2022 vintage young Grenache, 30 minutes is usually sufficient.

Optional decanting

If you have a wine thermometer, aim for 14–16°C (57–61°F). Adjust by placing bottle briefly in fridge (10–20 minutes) or leaving on the counter.

Use a thermometer (optional)

Use a corkscrew to open the bottle. Wipe the top and rim with a clean cloth. Smell the cork briefly — for a fresh 2022 Grenache you should not detect musty or moldy notes.

Open the bottle

Pour about 2–3 ounces (60–90 ml) into each glass for tasting. Hold the glass by the stem and tilt while pouring to minimize splashes.

Initial pour

Swirl the wine gently in the glass to release aromas. Take a quick visual check for color and clarity—Grenache from Côtes du Rhône typically shows bright ruby to garnet hues. Smell for red fruit (raspberry, cherry), spicy herbs (garrigue), and subtle pepper or licorice notes.

Swirl and evaluate

Take a small sip, let it coat the palate, and note acidity, fruit intensity, tannin, and finish. Expect medium body, bright red fruit, moderate tannins, and a savory herbal finish. If decanted earlier, flavors should be more open and integrated.

Taste

Top up glasses to about one-third full (120–150 ml) for comfortable drinking. Re-taste and enjoy. Keep the bottle on the table for easy refills.

Serve

Serve alongside roasted lamb or beef. For a 500 g roast, season with salt, pepper, rosemary, and roast at 200°C (400°F) for 20–25 minutes for medium-rare (depending on cut). Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.

Pair with meats

Prepare ratatouille or roast a tray of vegetables (eggplant, zucchini, bell pepper, tomato, onion) tossed with olive oil, salt, and thyme, roasted at 200°C (400°F) for 25–30 minutes until caramelized.

Pair with vegetables

Serve aged sheep or goat cheeses (about 40–50 g per person) and slices of baguette or crusty bread. The wine’s acidity and red fruit complement savory cheeses and rustic bread.

Cheese & bread

Recork the bottle and store upright in the refrigerator. Consume opened Grenache within 2–3 days for best freshness. Bring back to serving temperature before pouring.

2022 La Manarine Grenache

Descriptors

Tasting Notes

Food Pairings

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