Natural wine has no uniform definition. It is a general term used to describe artisanal wine made using organically and/or biodynamically grown hand-picked grapes which are vinified with little or no intervention. Winemakers often rely on indigenous yeast to catalyse natural fermentation, avoiding the use of any chemicals, additives or sulphites.
The result is wine which is alive, energetic, vibrant and unexpected – a welcomed contrast to the industrial practices of the wine industry.
Name of Estate/Domaine:
Clos du Gravillas
Vintage: 2018
Tasting Notes
Dark red with intense aromas of aniseed and liquorice, this full-bodied red wine is silky in texture with fine minerality, structured tannins and a fresh finish with hints of blood orange.
*Natural wines are suitable for Vegans & Vegetarians
Country & Region
France - Languedoc Roussillon
Grape/Blend
Syrah, Carignan, Grenache
Terroir:
The vineyards benefit from ample summer sunny days and a cooling breeze blowing down off of the Montagne Noire at night. Very stony, clay limestone soil, 8.5 hectares on the 260-300 metre altitude
Viticulture:
The domaine is worked organically (Ecocert) with respect for the terroir, without herbicides, with care for the preservation of soil life. Weed control is by hand and with their well-aged mini caterpillar tractors. Each head pruned vine is given particular attention during the summer as shoot selection, leaf-removal, bunch thinning, and rigorous field-sorting when we finally pick let us bring in grapes that are as ripe and perfect as possible. Pickers throw any grapes not good enough to eat on the ground.
Vinification:
Hand-picked grapes in 15kg boxes
Sorted in vines to eliminate all but perfectly ripe and healthy grapes
Maceration for 3-4 weeks
Aged in stainless steel and demi-muid for 18 months
Indigenous yeasts
Production : 6000 bt
Food Pairing
Lamb ragout or rabbit with olives