Raise a glass to Bastille Day

I opened two bottles of French wine to salute France's national holiday, the 14th of July. Two red wines, one from the upper Rhone, the other from Bordeaux, with contrasting aromas. Let me introduce them.

2013 Crozes-Hermitage, E. Guigal, Upper Rhone – $19
100% Syrah
(13% alcohol)

2014 Red blend, Chateau Brown, Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux – $29
55% Cabernet Sauvignon
42% Merlot
3% Petit Verdot
(13% alcohol)

Color – Both wines were in the purple spectrum, The Crozes-Hermitage with a touch of ruby, the Chateau Brown leaning toward plum.

Aroma – The Crozes-Hermitage was brighter, like a whiff of cherry and slate while walking through a forest after a rainfall. The Chateau Brown had deeper earthiness of new boots and cantaloupe rind.

Taste – My reaction to the Crozes-Hermitage was in line with other Syrahs I have tried: a metallic bitterness like licking the tip of a ballpoint pen. I expected the Chateau Brown, with its Cabernet and Merlot, to be mellower, but I recoiled from a similar bitterness.

Pairings – Both wines resisted making friends with the foods I put before them. Spicy lamb meatballs with spinach polenta, Vegetarian gumbo, Cheddar rolls … all were met with indifference.

The Chateau Brown was friendlier toward a Turkey, bacon and avocado wrap, finding affinity with the sliced tomatoes and green peppers inside. I suspect this Bordeaux might be on speaking terms with Stir-fried beef, peppers and pungent spices.

The Reluctant Taster suggested I try the Crozes-Hermitage with some Spiced gumdrops. Her least favorite color, the white ones (which seem to be menthol), actually brought this Syrah to heel. The wine didn't pick a fight with Mrs Mercier's lousy brownies either. This Rhone wine seems an antidote to sweetness. If you served a reverse dinner, starting with chocolate-covered mint patties, the Crozes-Hermitage would be the ideal neutralizer to lead you back to the main course.

Vive la France! Based on this and previous tastings I am drawn more toward its Mediterranean climate than the continental and maritime regions.