| Producer | Dom Benastra |
| Country | France |
| Region | Languedoc - Rousillion |
| Varietal | Carignan, Lledoner Pelut, Syrah, Grenanche |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Sku | 05002 |
| Size | 750ml |
| ABV | 13.00% |
Organic/Bio Oh my goodness, is this a delicious drink. It's from France's deep South Rousillon, so you're forgiven for thinking it's going to taste thick, roasted and a bit hot. But not here where Joseph Paille (best known for his work with Jo Pithon in the Loire) is exploring the cooler climate, black shale and granite soils, and high-altitude, windswept, vineyards of Fenouilledes.
About 60% of this is the usual suspects of Rousillon - Carignan, Syrah, Grenache. Around 40% is the grape locals call "Lledoner Pelut) and growers in Priorat, to the south in Spain, know as "Garnacha Peluda." Called "Hairy Grenache" elsewhere, this clone of Grenache is exceptionally resistant to drought, has less color, more strawberry flavor, and ripens at lower alcohols than "regular" Grenache.
Here hand harvesting, a mix of whole cluster and destemmed fruit, fermentation with native yeast in concrete, and letting 30% rest in large, oak, barrels delivers something truly special. You'll find loads of ripe strawberry fruit and accents of herb and black olive in a wine that's boisterous and energetic but also relaxed and a little chill. The chalky tannins invite nibbling on something as you sip, whether it's a handful of olives or nuts or a chunk of lamb off the grill. Delicious.
For You If: You enjoy light, fresh, reds that still pack a big punch of flavor; you're looking for a lower alcohol (13.0%) red to enjoy with rich foods like lamb or roasted winter vegitables.
Not For You If: You're after the kind of rich, fleshy, slightly baked-tasting reds Rousillon is known for - this is on the fresher, juicier, side.
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