Grape Variety: 60% Grenache, 40% Syrah

Growing Region: Rhone Valley, France

Chief Winemaker: Caroline Frey

TASTING NOTE:
This Cotes du Rhone takes its name from the 45th Northern parallel which runs two kilometers from the cellars of Maison Paul Jaboulet Aine. In the village of Pont de l'Isere, the wine has had this name since the beginning of the 1950s. The Parallele 45 is a perfect balance between the two great red grape varieties of the Rhone valley; Syrah and Grenache Noir.

Traditional vinification took place with long vatting, the 'must' was fermented slowly in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to extract colour and the right amount of ripe tannins, without becoming too powerful. The wine remained in tank until bottling.

In the glass you are greeted by a deep colour with an attractive brilliance. On the nose you have elegant aromatics, with red fruits blended with spices.

With now nearly 3 years in the bottle - the wine is developing some pepper and spice complexity to go along with its ripe fruit aromas and flavours. The palate is well-structured with rounded tannins from the fruit alone as no oak ageing for this wine, then with a final hint of cassis and a spicy note that gives a good full mouth feel and a well defined fruit focused finish. Serve at approx 16-18C.

CELLARING POTENTIAL:
Drinking perfectly well now; and for another 2+years.

SUGGESTED FOOD MATCHES:
Perfect wine match with seared and roasted meats, tapas, pate and cheeses, enjoy.

A dependable wine for nearly 60 years.