A few months ago, Anine had the opportunity to sample Blanc and Rosé wines from Licence IV. Now we are fortunate enough to give its sibling Rouge blend a spin. A Grenache (85%) and Syrah (15%) blend from Valréas in the Southern Rhône, it is currently available in 1-liter bottles, and will be available in cans in 2022.

Dark ruby in color, this wine has a bold nose of overripe strawberry, loganberry, and wet leaves. The palate needs a bit of time to sort itself out in the glass, but the mild tannins meld well with notes of blackberry, leather, and gentle minerality. There’s a little bit of oak on the finish, which is medium length and rather dry, but it all works well enough to be serviceable. It’s a sturdy, consistent house red that will pair well with a number of dishes, but works quite well with brick oven pizza.

B / $24 (1 liter) / licenceivwine.com

2020 Licence IV Rouge

$24

8

Rating

8.0/10