Grape varieties : Carignan 45%, Syrah 45%, Grenache 10%
Soil : The majority of the Carignan grapes come from a 75 year-old vine. The Syrah grapes are from two younger vines, one of 25 and the other of 45 years of age, both of which are situated next to the old Carignan vines. All these vines are on the poorest soil of the estate and their roots have to fight their way through the layers of stones and clay in search of nutriment. The 45 year-old Grenache vines are planted around the house on a lighter clayey soil.
Wine making : The grapes are hand-picked and taken to the winery in crates where they are destalked above the vats. The old Carignan grapes are not destalked. The wine making takes place in paraffin treated brick and cement tanks over a period of four weeks. Fermentation process is without sulphites.
Maturing : Carignan and Grenache : 30 months in tanks. Syrah : 15 months in tank and then 15 months in barrels used for maturing 3 wines before.
Remarks : The long maturing process left behind the primary aromas to reveal its real personality backed by deep flavors of black fruits, wooddy and forest flavors
Gastronomy : “La Garrigue” will go well with grilled and roasted red meats of course but also : tournedos with marrow, saddle of hare à la Piron, veal sauté with horse chestnuts and mushrooms etc.