The Grape Varieties
Grenache
Grenache has a strong aromatic potential , expressing notes of blackcurrant, cherry, compote, jam, sweet spices, fig, ripe fruit, smoke, pepper, plum and liquorice .
Its clusters consist of tight, rounded, medium-sized berries . A vigorous and productive grape variety, it gives the best results when grown at low yields . It flourishes particularly on poor, stony soils .
Red wines made from Grenache require time to reveal all their complexity and often benefit from being decanted . In their youth, these wines display a solid structure and intense aromas of black fruits (blackcurrant, blackberry), cooked plum , macerated black cherry. Powerful and expressive, they benefit from prolonged aging to gain complexity and finesse. Grenache is often associated with Mourvèdre and Syrah , thus forming balanced and harmonious blends.
Syrah
Syrah and Shiraz refer to the same grape variety, the former being the French name and the latter the one adopted by the Australians after its importation.
This grape is distinguished by its vigor, its precocity and its resistance to mildew, while offering great versatility, whether vinified alone or blended. Young, Syrah reveals aromas of raspberry, pepper, licorice and violet . Over time, it evolves towards notes of black fruits, smoke, bacon, leather, while retaining a characteristic peppery touch on the finish.
The climate strongly influences its expression: in cool terroirs, it reveals spicy, liquorice and green olive nuances, while in warmer climates, it develops aromas of cherry, raspberry, coffee, chocolate or even prune , as is the case in Australia.
Cinsault
Cinsault produces a generally low-alcohol wine with low acidity and a light color , ideal for blends to be enjoyed young. It develops delicate aromas of almond, lime blossom, raspberry and hazelnut.
Appreciated for its suppleness, finesse and fruitiness , it brings lightness to blends. Grown on poor and dry soils, it gives rise to pleasant, fruity and supple wines, as well as excellent rosés.
Merlot
Merlot reaches maturity quickly on gravelly soils, making the harvest date crucial to avoid excessive over-ripeness. Its aromatic profile combines red and black fruits , which, over time, evolve towards deeper and earthier notes , evoking mushroom, undergrowth, truffle , tobacco and old leather.
Viognier
Viognier is a robust grape variety, capable of thriving on poor, dry and stony soils. Naturally rich in alcohol, it produces round and generous wines, with a beautiful structure. Young, it is distinguished by aromas of yellow and white fruits, such as white peach and apricot, as well as floral notes of acacia and violet. On the palate, it offers a full and tasty texture.
With its age, its aromatic palette is enriched with nuances of musk, gingerbread, tobacco and candied apricot. Although rare, it can also be vinified as a semi-dry or sweet wine when climatic conditions allow.