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

Site: From a site at the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail, both AOC Cotes du Rhone and non-classified. 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.

Grape: Carignan

Fermentation and Aging: 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.

Notes: Ruby red with aromas of bramble and warm spice. Fresh and vibrant on the palate, with velvety richness and a perfumed opulence of blackcurrant, forest fruits, cinnamon, and pink pepper. Lingering soft tannins on the finish. 2500 bottles produced.