Newest Threads

kat50496 · 01-08-2012, 07:16 PM

Not sure where to post this, but would really like to hear about these kits based on all of your combined experience.

I want to make a French, specifically a Rhone style blend, and have narrowed it down to these two kits: The CC Showcase Chateau du Pays and the RJS Winery Series French Grenache Syrah. Both have grape packs but I am leaning towards the CC product - not oaked which is in tradition with the "old world" style of Rhone wines.

I also really want to make something other than a WE kit, which is all my local shop provides. Price with shipping from FVW is about the same as my local shop

Your experience with either or both of these is greatly appreciated!

**shoebiedoo** · 01-08-2012, 07:28 PM

I would go with the RJS Winery Series French Grenache Syrah. It's a closer match and you know more of what you're getting. If I were to read into the name of the CS batch it's made in the "SPIRIT OF" which tells me you can compliment the chemist as much as the Winery

**cpfan** · 01-08-2012, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shoebiedoo

If I were to read into the name of the CS batch it's made in the "SPIRIT OF" which tells me you can compliment the chemist as much as the Winery

Perhaps you can explain your meaning?

I believe that there is the same amount of "chemistry" in both kits. They both benefit from the "Wine Blender" or "Wine Maker" at the individual kit companies picking the appropriate blend of grapes.

BTW, Cellar Craft uses "Chateau du Pays" as a synonym for "Chateau Neuf du Pays" while other kit companies use "Vieux Chateau du Roi".

EDIT: should read "Chateau Neuf du Pape"

Steve

Runningwolf · 01-08-2012, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cpfan

.

BTW, Cellar Craft uses "Chateau du Pays" as a synonym for "Chateau Neuf du Pays" while other kit companies use "Vieux Chateau du Roi".

Steve

Steve what is Chateau Neuf du Pays? I made a WE Selection Vieux Chateau Du Roi on recommendation and it was very good. I have no idea what it is Im drinking (humm and I never looked it up either..duhhh).

ibglowin · 01-08-2012, 08:03 PM

I have the Chateau du Pays. Its almost two years old now and drinking fantastic.

From the Cellar Craft website:

Multiple medal winner: In the style of fine wines of the southern Rhône Valley. This wine derives its complex character from Syrah, Carignan and Grenache grapes. Fermented on Syrah and Grenache crushed grapes. Rich flavours suggestive of cherry, raspberry, blackberry and plum combine with notes of pepper and chocolate. The finish shows a subtle herbaceous note and a suggestion of cedar and violets. Enjoyable after 3 months but does show its harmonious best after 9 months.

All of the European kits wines are made "in the style of" so they don't get sued by the French or Italian DOC's. There are a number of grapes that can be used in a red Rhone blend. The most typical being whats called a GSM (grenache, syrah, mouverde). Carignan is also on the list so this is a fully qualified Rhone blend. The Chateau de Pays came with a small packet of french oak chips which I added.

ibglowin · 01-08-2012, 08:09 PM

Chateau du Pays means "Country House" or "Country Castle" in French

Châteauneuf du Pape means "New house or castle of the Pope"

**cpfan** · 01-08-2012, 10:00 PM

Chateau Neuf du Pape (CNduP) is a fairly well known (at least in Canada) French wine. As with most French wines CNduP is the name of the region where the grapes are grown rather than the grapes used. Wiki is not the best source of info, but it is a starting place.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ch%C3%A2teauneuf-du-Pape_AOC

There are 13 or 18 grapes allowed in a CNduP depending on time frame and how the white/blush versions are counted. When I hear CNduP, I think red wine, but there is also a white CNduP. Grenache Noir, Syrah, and Mourvedre are the most common grapes.

There are a few G-S-M wine kits, as well as the ones named Vieux Chateau du Roi, and Chateau du Pays.

Steve

Runningwolf · 01-08-2012, 10:08 PM

Thanks for the explanations Mike and Steve.

kat50496 · 01-08-2012, 10:43 PM

So, I know these are all based on French blends from the Rhone valley region, and also that they can't be called Châteauneuf du Pape , or Cote's du Rhone or Hermitage, for appellation control reasons............ but so far it seems that Mike has actually made the CC Chateau du Pays and has favorable reviews. Anyone made the RJS Winery French Grenache Syrah? Or for that matter, the WE GSM (which doesn't have a grape pack). Just wondering

kat50496 · 01-08-2012, 10:48 PM

Mike, the Chateau du Pays indicates no oak, which is in line with classic (re Old World) Rhone blends due to the fact that Grenache is very prone to oxidation and therefore traditionally doesn't spend time in barrel, and is mostly aged in steel or concrete. Did you add oak as a tweak to the kit, or have I misread the product literature.