Les Vignes Oubliées : Autour du Cinsault 2023

Characteristics and tasting notes of the "Autour du Cinsault" 2023 by Domaine Les Vignes Oubliées

Tasting

Colour
Of medium intensity, this red wine reveals a brilliant garnet colour, testament to perfectly controlled extraction.

Nose
The bouquet is instantly seductive with its aromas of stone fruits and red berries, dominated by morello cherry and crushed raspberry, delicately underscored by gingerbread and liquorice. On aeration, it is enriched with notes of garrigue, dried herbs and a subtle minerality.

Palate
The attack stands out for its elegance and restraint. The palate offers vibrant fruit nuanced with floral touches reminiscent of violet. The texture is highly refined, carried by silky tannins. The whole, both sun-kissed and beautifully fresh, extends into a long, persistent finish marked by violet, liquorice and a mineral thread.

Food and wine pairing
This wine pairs wonderfully with Mediterranean cuisine, such as a lamb tagine with mild spices, moussaka or lamb chops. It also enhances honey and paprika-roasted chicken, delicately spiced Asian dishes, a charcuterie board, or a cherry clafoutis for dessert.

Serving and storage
To fully appreciate this 2023 vintage, it is recommended to serve it at 15°C. Ready to enjoy now, it can be cellared until around 2029, or even until 2035 for those who prefer longer ageing.

The elegance and freshness of a wine embodying the identity of Languedoc

The estate
Born in 2007 from the meeting of Olivier Jullien and Jean-Baptiste Granier, the project took root in Saint-Privat, in the heart of Languedoc. The goal was to save old high-altitude plots threatened with abandonment. Today, Jean-Baptiste Granier is the sole head of Les Vignes Oubliées. He works closely with a collective of local farmers who keep their land while adhering to a strict set of specifications. This unique model, certified organic, reflects a deep commitment to preserving agricultural heritage and showcasing an exceptional terroir.

The vineyard
Located on the foothills of the Larzac plateau, the plots are spread across high terraces at altitudes between 300 and 400 metres, within the landscapes of the Coteaux du Languedoc appellation. This geographical position offers warm days and cool nights, preserving the grapes' acidity. The soils, composed of clay and limestone enriched with schist and sandstone, have never undergone heavy chemical treatment. Vine work, entirely done by hand due to the slope, is accompanied by deliberately limited yields to concentrate the aromas.

Winemaking and ageing
After rigorous sorting in the vineyard and at the winery, the grapes are partially destemmed. Fermentation, triggered by indigenous yeasts, lasts 15 to 20 days under temperature control to ensure gentle extraction. Ageing then takes place over 12 months, with part of the volume placed in demi-muids and new or recent oak barrels.

Grape varieties
Cinsault (predominant), Grenache, Syrah, Carignan.