Domaine Rouge-Bleu "Gargouï" Côtes-du-Rhône 2023

Domaine Rouge-Bleu's Gargouï Côtes-du-Rhône blend is garnet red, opening with aromas of cinnamon and black cherries. The generous, elegant palate of blackcurrant and black and blue berries finishes with hints of delicate vanilla.

Gargouï ("gluggable" in Provencal) is Domaine Rouge-Bleu's easy-drinking red. Aged briefly to preserve the primary fruit character, this cuvée is a perfect compromise between the vibrancy of the winery's Mistral blend (primarily Grenache) and the freshness of the Dentelle (primarily Carignan).

A blend of 60% Grenache, 25% Syrah and 15% Carignan. The grapes are hand harvested, crushed and partially destemmed before being placed in concrete vats for fermentation with indigenous yeasts. Some of the ripe stems were retained to preserve freshness and crispness while maintaining the wine's generosity. Maceration lasts approximately 14 days, with daily lees stirring. The wine is then aged for 12 to 18 months in unlined concrete tanks and stainless steel tanks. Bottled at the estate with minimal sulphites added. 2000 bottles produced.

Situated in the Sainte Cécile-Les-Vignes, Domaine Rouge-Bleu finds inspiration in biodynamic principles on all of its 8.5 hectares, of which half rest in the Côtes-du-Rhône Villages Sainte Cécile appellation. The vineyard's low yields are the natural outcome of old, deep-rooted vines (planted in 1910, 1934, 1955 and 1965) that sit on stony soil of ancient riverbed and garrigue. Coupled with the Mediterranean climate of long, hot, dry summers and the rot-inhibiting Mistral wind, the vineyard is the perfect environment for berry maturation. The vineyards are dry famred, and to preserve soil microbial life and indigenous yeasts, the use of pesticides, herbicides and chemical treatments is prohibited.