GRAPE VARIETAL
80% Grenache, 20% Syrah
APPELLATION
Cairanne AOC in the Rhône Valley
TERROIR
45 year old vines situated on a plateau near the village of Cairanne featuring perfect southern exposure.
The soil is a mix of limestone, clay and sand
VINIFICATION
Organic, biodynamic and vegan from harvest to bottle — Entirely hand harvested — Aged in glass lined concrete tanks — — indigenous yeast help to fully preserve the character of the terroir —
TASTING NOTES
Provencal aromas of “garrigue” (local herbs) kirsch, mission fig, blackberries, black olive tapenade and dark red licorice
FOOD PAIRING
This classic Rhône red will be terrific with literally anything off the grill, and will elevate your next burger to the next level
Guillaume and Kelly Gonnet are long-time friends of the AWM, and their Bird wines have been a staple at the shop for the last ten-plus years. AWM customers know that when the label reads Guillaume Gonnet and has a bird on it, the wine in the bottle will be delicious!
Guillaume comes from a long line of celebrated winemakers and viticulturists and has been deeply influenced by his family’s lengthy history in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Kelly delivers a unique and imaginative perspective shaped by her Australian background in the New World. They collaborated to create the Bird Wines, combining Old and New World inspirations while balancing classic Rhône tradition with innovation.
Wines from the village of Cairanne, a designated Côtes du Rhône Cru, may fly a little under the radar of most wine lovers; however, the combination of quality and value make it a go-to for us at the shop.
Perched on gentle hillsides overlooking the Dentelles de Montmirail, Cairanne benefits from the classic Rhône mosaic of soils—including limestone, clay, and the region’s iconic galets roulés—which enhance heat retention and drainage, nurturing vines through cool evenings and dry summers.
This village’s unique terroir, coupled with the warm Mediterranean climate, results in wines of gorgeous depth and finesse. Cairanne reds typically showcase ripe black fruit, savory spice, and a touch of earthy minerality, while retaining a structure that remains refreshingly approachable. Compared to nearby titans like Gigondas and Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Cairanne offers a remarkable quality-to-price ratio, making its cuvées a brilliant choice for AWM customers seeking typicity of terroir without draining the wallet.
It was a joy to have Guillaume here for our June wine dinner
–he and his wines were the stars of the evening.
Le Brave Cairanne Rouge is a classic Rhône that deftly balances the ripe fruit, honest earthiness, and pleasing spice I prize in Rhône reds. On the nose, you’ll love the notes of dark cherry, blackberry, and a touch of plum, framed by classic notes of garrigue and a touch of black pepper. There’s a bonus layer of leather and roasted herbs that adds additional complexity. The plush middle palate leans into juicy, dark fruit flavors with ripe tannins and a touch of spice lingering nicely on the finish. It’s not a blockbuster; however, plenty of satisfying depth and richness keeps you longing for another sip.
This classic Rhône red will shine with all of your favorite rustic and hearty recipes. We love Le Brave Cairanne Rouge with slow-cooked meats like lamb shanks or beef stew, as the wine’s fruit and savory notes marry like a dream into that full-flavored fare. It’s also a brilliant match for grilled meats, sausages, and even a well-seasoned roast chicken.