Domaine Viret : Dolia 1 Paradis 2011

Tasting characteristics and advice for Dolia 1 Paradis 2011 from Domaine Viret

Tasting

Appearance

The color displays lovely intensity, typical of a high-quality southern red wine, with remarkable clarity that is characteristic of amphora vinification.

Nose

The nose shows a complex, multi-faceted aromatic profile. Initial notes reveal aromas of sweet dark fruit, especially dark berries, with hints of red fruit. Notes of Mediterranean garrigue emerge, bringing a dry herbal edge that anchors the wine in its Provençal terroir. Provençal spices round out the aromatic profile. A touch of leather adds an additional layer of complexity.

Palate

The palate is compact and rich, with a persistent acidity that beautifully balances the wine’s full body. The tannic expression is solid and well integrated, of medium finesse. The attack reveals ripe dark fruit, especially dark berries such as blueberries and blackcurrants, with nuances of dark chocolate adding extra richness. The tannic structure is medium and harmoniously integrated, creating a sense of refinement. The body is medium to full, offering a gratifying presence without being overwhelming. The texture reflects amphora vinification, with micro-oxygenation that has encouraged gentle tannin integration. The aromatic persistence on the finish is remarkable. The finish is medium in length, balanced and dry, revealing the spicy and mineral notes characteristic of the terroir.

Food and wine pairings

Dolia 1 Paradis 2011 pairs especially well with game meats and noble game. Duck, goose, and other game birds make ideal gastronomic partners. A coq au vin or a bœuf bourguignon creates a symphony of flavors in which the wine’s richness resonates with the depth of the dish. A finely spiced lamb stew—particularly if the recipe includes Mediterranean herbs such as thyme or rosemary—creates an echo between the dish’s spices and those of the wine. Preparations featuring black olives, tapenade, and other Mediterranean condiments also find harmonious partners in this wine. A well-chosen platter of Provençal cheeses, especially aged goat cheeses, offers fascinating pairing possibilities.

A Vin de France aged in amphora according to the principles of cosmoculture

The estate

Domaine Viret is a family estate now in its fourth generation since Julien Genin acquired the land in 1917. Alain Viret joined the operation in 1963 and took over its management in 1973. In 1998, his son Philippe Viret, after completing his oenology studies, joined the estate, ushering in a revolutionary period. Since 2005, Philippe Viret has been a pioneer in reintroducing amphora-aged wines. The estate spans 60 hectares in total, including 35 hectares planted to vines, and is located in Saint-Maurice-sur-Eygues in the Southern Rhône Valley. The estate’s singular distinction lies in its practice of cosmoculture®, a patented agricultural system of which Philippe Viret is the only practitioner in the world. The cellar, built in 1999 according to the principles of sacred geometry, uses stones from the same quarry as the Roman Pont du Gard.

The vineyard

This Vin de France comes from a vineyard in Saint-Maurice-sur-Eygues, at an altitude between 250 and 300 meters, benefiting from full southern exposure. The soil has an ideal composition for producing great wines: rich, deep clay dotted with chalk, with a significant flint component. The terroir benefits from the presence of a major underground spring, above which the estate’s cellar is built. The vines display great genetic diversity, with an old massal selection comprising more than twenty-five different grape varieties. The average vine age is forty years, with numerous parcels of century-old vines. The vine rows are planted in various configurations—north-south, east-west, in square grids, and even in spirals—following an energetic logic based on interaction with telluric currents.

Vinification and aging

Dolia 1 Paradis 2011 was vinified and aged in terracotta amphora, a process that directly contributes to its distinctive character. Amphora vinification provides gentle, continuous micro-oxygenation that encourages subtle tannin integration and the wine’s slow, harmonious evolution. This micro-oxygenation also helps the wine open up and release fruitier aromas. The wine was produced according to the principles of cosmoculture®, without any additives or winemaking aids. Dolia 1 Paradis 2011 represents the estate’s most prestigious selection, produced only in years when grape quality reaches an exceptional level.

Grape varieties

Grenache (50%), Syrah (20%), Mourvèdre (20%), Carignan (10%).