Domaine De La Tude Cdr Rouge

Domaine de la Tude Cdr Rouge is listed as a French red, and the "Cdr" in the name most likely abbreviates Côtes du Rhône Rouge. That style is usually built on Grenache, often blended with Syrah and Mourvèdre. Wines like this typically show ripe red and dark berry fruit, such as raspberry, cherry and plum, with a peppery, dried-herb edge. The body is generally medium to medium-full. Tannins are usually soft and rounded, and acidity is moderate. The finish tends to be warm and fairly short to medium in length. Oak is normally a minor factor in this tier, since many Rhône reds are raised in tank or large neutral vessels to keep the fruit in front. Treat these as the expected profile for the style, not measured notes for this bottle. The soft tannins and savory spice make it an easy match for food. Roast chicken with thyme, sausages and lentils, herbed lamb chops, and ratatouille all suit its profile. So do a baked pasta with tomato and sausage, a weeknight burger, and semi-firm cheeses like Gruyère or aged Gouda. It also handles tomato-based dishes and grilled vegetables well, because the acidity keeps it from tasting heavy next to them. Very spicy food or delicate fish will overwhelm it. For serving, aim for roughly 16 to 18°C (60 to 65°F), which means about 20 minutes in the fridge if the bottle has been at room temperature. Served warmer, wines of this type can taste alcoholic and flat. A medium-sized all-purpose red wine glass or a slightly broader Bordeaux-style glass gives the aromatics room without exaggerating the heat. Decanting isn't required. If the first pour seems tight or closed, 20 to 30 minutes in the glass or a quick pour into a decanter will loosen it. This is a drink-now wine. Styles at this level are made for fruit and freshness in their first few years rather than for long cellaring. The best use is as a dependable table red, opened soon after purchase and finished within a day or two. If any is left, recork it and refrigerate it, then let it warm slightly before pouring.