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Marine & Paul Charavin, Côtes du Rhône Zouzou Rouge 24
$21.99
Tasty Red Rhône
In stock: 22 available
Marine & Paul Charavin, Côtes du Rhône Zouzou Rouge 24
Product Details
Brand: Rhone Blend - GSM
I’ll be the first to admit, these days, there’s no shortage of goofy labels on wine bottles. That said, every now and then, one will come down the pike that makes me chuckle and grin before I even taste it. Coteaux des Travers Zouzou Rouge is one of those. Honestly, I’m surprised Marine and Paul Charavin haven’t gotten a cease-and-desist from the Calvin and Hobbes folks. Zouzou may sound like it belongs in the Sunday comics; however, this juicy Rhône red is no joke: it’s vibrant, very well-made, and full of "character."
Zouzou arrives at the AWM shelves thanks to Carrboro-based micro-importer Thomas Meunier. Thomas has been connecting independent vignerons all across France with wine lovers here in North Carolina for the last decade.
As for the name,“ZouZou” is a French colloquial term of endearment, roughly translating to “little rascal.” It perfectly suits this approachable, lively, and a touch mischievous red. Don’t be fooled by the whimsical label; what’s in the bottle is confidently well-made.
Marine and Paul Charavin run Coteaux des Travers, and their estate in Rasteau has been in their family for more than a hundred years. While mindful of the family’s viticultural traditions, their updated approach includes organic farming, hand-harvesting, native yeasts, and very judicious use of oak. Their focus is on the vineyard first, with the idea that wines are truly made in the vineyard.
The estate’s vineyards climb the stony, sun-drenched hillsides of Rasteau, framed by olive trees and garrigue. Searing daytime temperatures give way to cool nights, thanks to the ever-present cooling mistral wind. This lucky combination yields reds with ripe fruit and savory spice, retaining freshness and lift that makes them porch and food-friendly.
In your glass, Zouzou Rouge opens with ripe black cherry and raspberry in a savory envelope of black pepper and garrigue — notably thyme, and rosemary. The medium-bodied palate features pleasantly gentle tannins and lively acidity, leading to a clean finish with just the right balance of fruit and spice.
At the table, Zouzou seems infinitely adaptable, and the wine’s terrific balance of savory spice and fresh fruit makes it a perfect companion for a wide variety of pairings. For traditional Rhône pairings that complement the wine’s balance of fruit and savory, think daube Provençale, lamb shank with rosemary, or ratatouille. If you’d like to branch out, Korean barbecue short ribs, smoked duck tacos, or grilled portobello mushrooms will pair wonderfully. For the ultimate comfort experience, par Zouzou with your favorite pizza or burger adventure.
