Wine of the Month by @willbedwards: Le Petit Roy 12eme année, Domaine Jean Royer

Le Petit Roy 2

Here’s a new wine review from tikichris contributor Will Edwards, a “wine and food enthusiast who has fled the idyllic hills of Devon for the golden streets of London”. A “relative newbie” to the world of wine, Will works in the Chelsea shop of independent wine merchants Lea & Sandeman where he loves “to hear what our customers are enjoying to drink”. These days – and just in time for nippy autumn – a good many of these Chelsea shoppers seem keen to sip a little king of a crimson quaff. Will reckons they’re on to something tasty.

At one stage I even considered placing a sign on the shop window: ‘Petit Roy out of stock’, such was the sheer volume of customers enquiring as to their favourite wine’s whereabouts! Unfortunately its popularity was its own demise, with the 11eme année selling out at the end of the summer; long before it could boast it’s suitability as the perfect easy-drinking, soft, spicy red for warming these increasingly cold autumnal evenings.

The release of the new vintage could not have been more aptly timed. Like its older brother surely would have been (had it not all vanished), this wine is the perfect companion for these cold, dark evenings. Le Petit Roy is made from everything that is not included in Domaine Jean Royer’s famous Châteauneuf-du-Papes. As such, French law stipulates that a Vin de France like this cannot carry a vintage on its label. Instead ‘12eme année’ should give you a strong indication as to its heritage. Le Petit Roy is a wonderful way to enjoy the style of CNDP without the associated price tags.

This classic blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre is as regal as its name suggests. It is deep dark crimson-red in colour and bursting with ripe red fruit, balanced alongside peppery, spicy and savoury notes. The tannins are soft and inoffensive, making this wine dangerously drinkable!

Long live the Little King!
(14.5%, Lea & Sandeman, £13.75)

Words and photography by Will Edwards

About tikichris

Chris Osburn is the founder, administrator and editor of tikichris. In addition to blogging, he works as a freelance journalist, photographer, consultant and curator.
This entry was posted in Drink, Shopping, Will Edwards, Wine, Wine of the Month and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.