Though Schneider’s of Capitol Hill is known for its stock of rare and back-vintage wines, carrying some of the world’s most famous (and most expensive) bottles, it’s also been a family-run, neighborhood shop for more than 70 years. When someone walks into the store looking for a bottle that offers serious value, vice president Elyse Genderson turns to a southern French classic that always delivers: Gabriel Meffre.
Founded in Gigondas in 1936, the house is both négociant and producer, owning estates in Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Plan de Dieu, and Costières de Nîmes. Gabriel Meffre is also working to better understand the terroirs of its many vineyards with soil analysis and preserve the individual character of each in the resulting wines.
Genderson finds that whatever a potential consumer is looking for, chances are good that Gabriel Meffre will have a wine that fits. “The wines of Gabriel Meffre offer a wide range of price points, styles, and appellations throughout the Rhône Valley,” says Genderson, “providing options for connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike.”
Selling Points for Gabriel Meffre Wines
- The winery’s wide-ranging portfolio spans red, white, and rosé styles, as well as several different price points—Genderson sells them for $9.99 (for the L’Empyrée Ventoux 2021) to $29.99 (for the Les Chaponnes Saint-Joseph 2020) at Schneider’s—making it a good sales option for many different types of consumers.
- Gabriel Meffre’s multi-decade environmental initiatives and conversion to organic viticulture are “increasingly important for consumers,” says Genderson.
- “Wines from Gabriel Meffre are an excellent value, offering outstanding quality for the money,” says Genderson.
3 Gabriel Meffre Wines to Watch
- Gabriel Meffre Côtes du Rhône Villages Plan de Dieu 2020: This blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre is medium-bodied with smooth tannins and a long, spicy finish. It comes from Plan de Dieu, one of the named villages within Côtes du Rhône Villages, making it a bit more terroir-specific and characterful. “It’s a terrific Côtes du Rhône for consumers looking for Old World style wine at an approachable price,” says Genderson.
- Gabriel Meffre ‘Les Muriers’ Crozes-Hermitage 2021: “This is an elegant, well-balanced, and easy-drinking wine,” says Genderson, who notes that it has aromas of white pepper, dried green herbs, and fresh black plum.
- Gabriel Meffre ‘Les Chaponnes’ Saint-Joseph 2020: From the steep, hillside, terraced vineyards of Saint-Joseph comes this Syrah, a wine that Genderson says is “one of the best values of the northern Rhône.” It carries many of the region’s hallmarks, such as black fruit and violet aromas. “This is a well-priced wine with aging potential, perfect for younger consumers looking to build a cellar on a budget,” she adds.
Courtney Schiessl Magrini is the editor-in-chief for SevenFifty Daily and the Beverage Media Group publications. Based in Brooklyn, she has held sommelier positions at some of New York’s top restaurants, including Marta, Dirty French, and Terroir, and her work has appeared in Wine Enthusiast, GuildSomm, Forbes.com, VinePair, EatingWell Magazine, and more. She holds the WSET Diploma in Wines. Follow her on Instagram at @takeittocourt.
