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| In 2006 Jean-Marc Espinasse, nephew of Jean-Claude Vidal of Domaine du Banneret, purchased 20 acres of very old vines in the vicinity of Cairanne in the Southern Rhone. Together with his wife, famed author Kristin Espinasse, he set about revitalizing the vineyards using sustainable methods. The “Dentelle" wines, named for the famous mountain range which defines the Southern Rhone vineyards, are all about finesse and elegance, while the Mistral is a more powerful and concentrated wine. 2007 was their first vintage. The Dentelle received a Silver Medal at the important Concours General in Paris. |
| Domaine Rouge-Bleu Website |
| Dentelle Rosé |
| 70% Grenache (old vines), 30% Carignan Winemaking took place in small concrete tanks in order to respect the terroir, also permitting micro oxidation during the fermentation which, combined with temperature control, has highlighted the expression of aromas. Well balanced, with an extra touch of acidity enabling the elaboration of a full bodied, dry rosé. Fresh and fruity, it is a great match with seafood, salads, barbecue and fruit desserts. 500 cases produced. |
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| Dentelle |
| 55% Carignan, 45% Grenache Vin de Pays de Mediterranee Terroir : Located at the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail, the vines of this cuvée comes both from AOC Côtes du Rhône blocks (Carignan of 35 and Grenaches of 27 years old), and the other half from a parcel of non-classified 57 year old vines planted on the typical pebbles of the Southern Rhône. The label is actually a picture of an old Carignan vine from this Vin de Pays parcel. Working the vines : Inspired by bio-dynamic methods (Consulting with Matthieu Bouchet – Terres en Devenir). Without any herbicides nor pesticides. Mechanical work on the ground. Products used : cooper, sulfur. Infusions of nettle, horsetail, wicker. Apply of MT 500, 501(cow dung). Harvest and winemaking : Manual in cases. The 2007 harvest took place under 15 days of Mistral winds. Partial de-stemming of Grenache and semi-carbonic maceration of the Carignan. 3 week maceration in concrete, non-epoxy tanks with minimum of extraction and focus on finesse and elegance. Then mechanical press. Bottling done March 11th 2008 on a fruit day (moon calendar). Average yield of 32 Hl / Ha Tasting notes : Cherry and blackcurrant flavors on the nose, slightly smoked. Fresh attack in the mouth, with smooth red fruits hints. Pairing with salads, white meats and fruit desserts. 1000 cases |
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| Mistral |
| 71% Grenache, 19% Syrah, 8% Mourvedre, 2% Roussanne AOC Cotes du Rhone Named after the strong wind that blows through the Rhone Valley, Mistral represents the top selection of Rouge-Bleu and so undergoes a special vinification. Espinasse pushes the harvest date to get very ripe yet balanced grapes from his oldest vines (many over 75 years old). As at Banneret, all of the varieties are vinified together, stems, leaves and all using indigenous yeasts. Espinasse prefers a long, cool (85 degrees) cuvaison for good extraction without tension or bitterness in the wine. The wine is left to age in small, cement cuves. The wines is an ode to the best reds of the Rhone with a deep purple color and aromas of dark red fruits and notes of spice. The palate is mouthfilling and intense without heaviness but plenty of the fat and concentration one would expect from old Rhone varieties. The finish has long-lasting flavors of red fruits. Unfiltered. 700 cases produced. |
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