Mediterranean Reds
This week we’re wandering through the Mediterranean side of France, where Grenache, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, and a wonderfully weird splash of Grenache Gris get to show off. Four reds, four very different personalities. From bright and juicy to earthy, spicy, and wild around the edges. It’s a little rustic, very aromatic and deeply delicious.
@ Humble Vine
Wednesday, September 9th
HOURS: 2PM - 8 PM
Wine Tasting: $25
Château La Baronne, Juste le Rouge Languedoc, France | $25
Château La Baronne sits at the foot of the Montagne d’Alaric in Corbières. The domaine went organic in 2007 and adopted biodynamics in 2012. 50/50 Grenache Gris and Mourvèdre. Yes! Grenache Gris being used in a red wine. The Grenache Gris spends six months in clay, while the Mourvèdre ferments in stainless steel. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. Crushed strawberry, juicy red fruit, herbs and a little earthy spice, with soft tannins. Light and chillable.
Damase, Vaucluse Rouge Grenache Rhône Valley, France | $24
This is from Sebastien Latour and his family, the 8th continuous generation working this land and making wine, as well as farming animals, growing truffles… the works. it’s got all that dark red licorice-tinged fruit, with some good hefty structure. Soft texture, but bold, full of juicy cherry and raspberry notes with tobacco and leather on the finish. 100% Grenache, aged in neutral barrels.
Domaine de l’Accent, “Una Notte” Grenache Languedoc, France | $29
A vibrant expression of Grenache Noir, sourced from 40-year-old vines growing on a limestone and stony plateau at 350 meters altitude. The wine undergoes a short one-night maceration, allowing for a spontaneous fermentation with just a hint of skin contact. Aged for 5 months on its lees in stainless steel tanks, again no oak. Pomegranate, unripe raspberries, mountain herbs, gentle tannin and a wonderfully juicy texture.
Xavier Vignon, Ventoux Rouge Rhône Valley, France | $23
Dense, fruit-driven and textural red from Ventoux. Cassis, dark cherries, blackberries and dried violets on the nose. Medium to full body with fine tannins. Juicy and fruity with a velvety core of berries and spices in the finish. 65% Grenache, 25% Syrah and 10% Mourvedre. A bit more driven with the addition of the Syrah and Mourvèdre. A classy lady in a short skirt and a long jacket.
