Nomadic Wines

Dinner at Gregoire with some Cotes du Rhone from Garagiste

I blame a part of my wine-buying problem squarely on the shoulders of Garagiste. Garagiste is one of those retailers that you buy from and even though you spend too much money there, you walk away shaking your head because they are so good at their job. Except in this case, they are an internet store and they sell exclusively through email offers sent out a couple times per day. Unlike other wine retailers that send out emails, Garagiste typically offers just a single wine. And usually (but not always) they offer the best price in the country.

Fortunately, they offer wines at all price points. You can buy $10 everyday bottles or you can buy $10000 bottles of aged Bordeaux. I tend to buy German rieslings, well-priced Bordeaux, and the occasional bargain wine. It is amazing how the purchases add up... anyway, I grabbed one of those $10 deals to see how it was.

Tonight, we drove down the hill to Gregoire. Gregoire is a wonderful neighborhood restaurant that specializes in French food that you can take-out. I think the lunches are the best food offered (for the price), but dinner has the advantage of being able to bring wine to their small tables. Tonight was great - we had a leisurely dinner with a bottle of wine and we chatted with Gregoire. He is pretty much hilarious and we talked about everything from BabyLegs to the new iPhone to babies.

I ordered a short ribs (delicious but wishy there were more mushrooms) and K ordered the rock cod (tasty and not too fishy).

• 2004 Domaine de Piaugier Côtes du Rhône Villages Sablet - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône Villages Sablet (7/13/2007)
  There is definitely enough structure and fruit to be a success at the $10 price point. It is spicy with a touch of pepper, garrigue, and licorice. The red fruit is a little less concentrated in the mid-palate, but still a solid QPR.

Great Friday night meal and I think Avery is looking forward to going back.

Labels: Côtes du Rhône, Garagiste, Gregoire

posted by nomadfromcincy @ 8:55 PM