Winery: Domaine Rouge-Bleu
Region: Rhone - Sud (Southern Rhone)
Locale: Cairanne, France
Appellation: Vin de France 
Designation: VdT

Site: Situated in Sainte-Cécile-Les-Vignes, Domaine Rouge-Bleu follows biodynamic principles on all of its 8.5ha, of which half rest in the Côtes du Rhône Villages appellation. Low yields are the natural outcome of old, deep-rooted vines that sit on a stony soil of ancient riverbed. Coupled with the Mediterranean climate of long, hot, dry summers and the rot-inhibiting Mistral wind, this vineyard is the perfect environment for maturation.

Grapes: 100% Grenache Noir

Fermentation and Aging: The grapes are hand-harvested into small containers, then crushed but not destemmed. Wild yeast fermentation and maceration for 4 weeks in open barrels (600L demi muid). The mature stems have been kept in order to naturally aerate the must during fermentation, allowing us to bring different nuances of tannin and acidity to the wine. Malolactic fermentation and maturation in aged French oak demi-muid for 30 months. Hand bottled at the Domaine by gravity and without filtration. Minimal sulphite addition.

Notes: Aromas of ripe black fruits, plum pudding and warm spices. On the palate, it is full-bodied and velvety with dark berry flavors carrying on from the nose, evolving to hints of coffee and black forest gateau. Excellent balance and well-structured tannins, coupled with a pleasing freshness, give this wine great length. After decanting, enjoy this fine wine with wild boar ragout, braised venison, slow roasted lamb, mature cheeses or rich chocolate desserts.