2017 Domaine La Croix Gratiot ‘Le Chant des Dolia’ Rouge

Owned by brothers Yves and Hugues Ricome for over 30 years, Domaine La Croix Gratiot is in the village of Montagnac in the Coteaux du Languedoc in southern France. Yves daughter Anaïs has now taken charge, after working for some time in New Zealand, and makes wonderfully pure wines that reflect the potential of the local varieties with which she works.   The vines are planted on soils of loam and limestone, situated near the village of Montagnac close to the Mediterranean Sea. Cool maritime breezes moderate the climate, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly and retain good levels of acidity, resulting in fresh and vibrant wines.  The domaine has been practising biodynamics since 2016 and is currently in conversion. The first certified vintage will be in 2021.

The 'Le Chant des Dolia' Rouge is a beautifully integrated blend of Mourvèdre, Syrah and Grenache.  A dark purple colour in the glass. The nose has aromas of fresh blackberry and cassis with notes of black pepper and sweet spice. On the palate the flavours are concentrated and well defined, with good acidity and ripe tannins giving the wine a lovely structure.