La Manarine Côtes du Rhône, Rhône Valley, France 2021

• Winemaker:  Gilles Gasq
• Farming: Organic 
• Variety: Carignan
• Terroir: Limestone and iron-rich clay, quarzite river stones (galets roulés), and sands
• Vinification: Natural fermentation
• Tasting Note: Plush and bold, with juicy black and purple fruit notes, silty tannin and a long, velvety finish. 

 From our 2023 Cellar Builder Club:

La Manarine 2020 Carignan, Vaucluse, Rhône Valley 2020

Known for its beautiful landscapes, historic villages, and ancient Roman structures, Vaucluse is a warm Mediterranean winegrowing region in the south of the Rhône Valley. The winery behind this wine, Domaine La Manarine, was founded by Gilles Gasq in 2001, and his vineyards are primarily located in the village of Travaillan. Before starting on his own, Gasq worked alongside Paul Jeune at the renowned Domaine Monpertuis in Chateauneuf-du-Pape.

Gasq employs organic viticulture, which works well in this warm, windy region. The soil is comprised of large limestone ​​pebbles so well-draining, vines can shut down if the season is too dry. Luckily, Thunderstorms come annually near the end of harvest, cooling down the hot weather and bringing much-needed moisture to the vineyards. 

This Carignan is sourced is a three-hectare parcel called Le Alcyon, located just outside of Travaillan. The luck of his terroir allows Gasq to let the grapes speak for themselves and he can make wine with minimal intervention. This being a warm region, Gasq picks the Carignan on the early side to preserve their natural acidity and prevent the wine from being too alcoholic or raisinated.  It is 100% destemmed and fermented with native yeasts in stainless steel tanks, also preserving the freshness of the fruit. After the malolactic fermentation is complete, the wine is racked twice and aged for 6-12 months in stainless steel. The final wine showcases vibrant red fruit flavors with hints of wild herbs, black pepper, licorice, and dry earth, with a rustic, feral, and sanguine undercurrent. 

This is a classic wine for duck cassoulet or other hearty stews with beef, and hard cheeses like cheddar, parmesan, or pecorino that can bring out the fruitiness of the Carignan. —Cara Patricia