Dom. Rouge-Bleu 2023 "Origine", Carignan Vieille Vigne
Caroline and Thomas decided to divert their best and oldest Carignan fruit to create this new wine in 2019. We were captivated by its purity and contained power. It has earned new respect for an under-rated variety that is capable of greatness in the Rhône as well as the Languedoc (not to mention Sonoma!). Their version goes from strength to strength and is always their first wine to sell out.
Arriving Soon
Wine Specifics
WineWise Code | FRB-ORI23 |
Country | France |
Region | Rhone |
Color/Style | Red |
Destemming | Partial |
Fermentation Vessel | Concrete |
Additional Fermentation Notes | Fermentation duration: 2 weeks |
Aging Vessel | Stainless Steel 85%, Used Barrique 15% |
Aging Duration (months) | 18 months |
Filtered? | Yes |
Fining Agents | None |
Yeast Protocol | Native |
Malolactic Conversion | Yes |
Added Sulfur | Yes, 35 mg/L |
Varieties | 100% Carignan |
ABV | 14.1 |
Acidity | 3.42 |
pH | 3.7 |
Closure | Natural Cork |
Annual Production | 3000 bottles |
Certified Vegan | No |
Soil Types | Alluvial, Gravel |
Elevation (meters) | 30 |
Vine Age | 60 |
Yields (hl/ha) | 25 |
Farming Practices | Certified Organic, Practicing Biodynamic |
Harvest Method | Hand-harvested |
Additional Harvest Notes | Bushvines |
Other Vineyard Details | VINEYARD: Situated in Sainte-Cécile-Les-Vignes. Organic-certified, Domaine Rouge-Bleu finds inspiration in biodynamic principles on all its 8.5ha, of which 2/3 rest in the Côtes du Rhône Villages appellation Sainte Cécile.
Naturally farmed without pesticides or herbicides, our low yields are the natural outcome of old, deep-rooted vines that sit on a stony soil of ancient riverbed and garrigue. Coupled with the Mediterranean climate of long, hot, dry summers and the rot-inhibiting Mistral wind, our vineyard is the perfect environment for berry maturation, giving a pure expression of terroir.
TASTING NOTES:
Colour: Ruby red
Nose: Bramble and warm spice
Palate: Fresh and vibrant, with velvety richness and a perfumed opulence of blackcurrant, forest fruits, cinnamon, and pink pepper. Lingering soft tannins on the finish.
WINE AND FOOD MATCHING:
Excellent with charcuterie, Italian dishes, and hearty home-cooking.
Drink now or cellar for many years to come... |
Notes from the Producer: Carignan is an ancient southern Rhone variety which today accounts for less than 5% of the vineyards of the region. It is famous for elegant freshness and a warmly spiced palate. Recent years have seen this historic variety removed in favour of more crowd-pleasing, quick-to-market varieties as young Carignan can be difficult to temper. However, with age comes wisdom and class, and our 1965 and 1978 plots of old vines are certainly testament to this.
VINIFICATION: This expressive wine is the result of hand harvesting and wild yeast fermentation. It is almost fully destemmed. Its careful maturation is done for 18 months in aged oak and concrete vessels before blending. Very low sulphur addition prior to bottling maintains the varietal expression and elegance of this magical grape.
