Amphyèdre

An old Mourvèdre vine just beneath our windowsills……

An amphora…..  From red sandstone…..

An elegant wine with very fine tannins.

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Soil Type

On Villafranchian clay-limestone terraces, red sandstone blocks well-known in this area. The dark red earth retains the heat, and this benefits the grapes overnight, helping to mature the berries.

Climate and aspect

The Mediterranean climate benefits from the cooler air of the nearby hills. The vineyards are located on a north facing slope, making the vines open to a cool breeze.

Grape Variety

Primarily Mourvèdre. An old Mourvèdre plot situated on a red sandstone headland, surrounded by scrubland.

The Vineyard

Organic agriculture. Work in the vineyard is undertaken with a great deal of respect for the environment, the stock, and the grape. The natural limitations of the soil mean yields are 15 hl/ha. The vines are goblet pruned (pruned right back). Organic fertilisers make it possible to maintain the microbial life and the structure of the soils.

Winemaking

The grapes are harvested manually in small boxes and are sorted on the plot. After destemming, the winemaking takes place in small amounts. The extraction of polyphenols and anthocyanins is carried out by punching the caps of the grape skins which, in turn, produces a very sweet product. Vatted for 6 to 8 weeks. The malolactic fermentation takes place in 10HL sandstone urns and aged for 12 months before being bottled. This very delicate process brings a sheen to the wine and a high mineral content, whilst greatly respecting the flavours and taste.

Tasting

With soft leather and cacao notes, followed by spices, liquorice, and some hints of menthol. Very elegant taste with very fine and delicate tannins. The aftertaste remains full of minerals but subtle. Residual sugar <1g/1L.

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