Winery: Mas Gabinèle
Region: Faugères (Languedoc)
Locale: Laurens, France
Appellation: Pays d'Hérault
Designation: VdP 

In a few words: A brilliant expression of Carignan.

Site: Nestling in the heart of the Faugères appellation, the vineyards cover just over 23 hectares on the foothills of the Cévennes overlooking the village of Laurens at an altitude of 180 meters above sea level. The terroir is comprised of ochre, grey or blue sandstone and schist soils, which are slightly acidic with a fragile structure. This is a high quality but demanding terroir which naturally produces low yields, of around 25 hl/ha. The landscape is undulating, and the vines are surrounded by natural hedgerows, woods and holm oak forests, cork oaks and garrigue. 

Grapes: 100% Carignan, cultivated on vines 50 years and older. Short cup-type pruning pruning for low yields of 35 hl/ha. Hand harvesting once the grapes are very ripe.

Fermentation and Aging: The idea was to create a pure cuvée on this grape variety, with a short aging to preserve the fruit. To that end, this wine is produced using a combination of carbonic maceration and traditional vinification. 3,800 bottles produced.

Notes: Beautiful deep purple in color. Nose of small black fruits, plum, slate and cistus. The palate is both fresh and textured, with an lingering finish. Serve slightly chilled with tapas, charcuterie, or grilled meats over a wood fire.