Domaine de César - red - 2006

AOC Costières de Nîmes

Part of the village of Générac, about 12 kilimeters south of Nimes, this estate takes it's name from César Guiot who was its owner in the early 20th century. Today, it is his granddaughter , Florence Vialla de Soleyrol, who tends the 33 hectares of vineyards. The estate has always been well looked after: the first improvements were made 30 years ago when grenache was planted – at the time not very common in south France – and caused a certain amount of scepticism in neighbours and fellow winemakers. The first syrah vines planted are now fifteen years old.

Terroir: The terroir is typical of the appellation, with leached durancian fersiallitic soils which are very poor and covered with smooth stones which reflect the powerful summer sunlight.

Grape Varieties: The varieties are typical of the appellation: 75% syrah and 25% grenache.

Vinification: The grapes are harvested when perfectly ripe then destemmed.

Maceration lasts 18-20 days with perfect temperature control and careful extraction of the aromatic and polyphenolic elements (pumping-over and delestage).

Maturing: When malolactic fermentation is complete, the wines are racked twice and blended.

Then they are left to mature in vats for 8 months.

Tasting notes:

Almost black tinged with purple, this wine has a pleasing nose with a scent of violet, raspberry and blackcurrant cordial. The mouth joins in with notes of greenery and blackcurrant bud. The background structure is smooth even though the tannins are still young.

Ageing potential: Can be enjoyed now but will keep for 2-4 years.

Recommended serving temperature: Serve at around 18°C.

Accompaniment advice: Goes well with grilled or casseroled red meat and cheese.

Awards: Silver Medal Orange 2007