Natural wine has no uniform definition. It is a general term used to describe artisanal wine made using organically and/or biodynamically 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
Languedoc-Roussillon, France
Grape/Blend
100% Carignan (101 year old vines)
Tasting Notes
Aged in 400 litre Allier oak barrels, this wine from ancient gnarly Carignan combines power and purity, the fruit is dark and velvety and is truly delicious. Virtually no sulphur is used (the fermentation lasts around six months) and the wine seems to have soaked up a huge amount of minerals. The fruit is blueberry-ripe with liquorice swirls and hint of tobacco. There are also discernible meaty undertones.
Terroir
The vineyards benefit from ample summer sunny days and a cooling breeze blowing down off of the Montagne Noire at night.
Viticulture
Certified Organic by Ecocert
* Suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
Vinification:
- Hand-picked grapes in 15kg boxes
- Sorted in vines to eliminate all but perfectly ripe and healthy grapes
- Traditional fermentation and aging for 12 months in french demi-muids
- Indigenous yeast
Food Pairing
Salmis de pintade, Veal, Game.
