Clos du Rouge Gorge - Vieilles Vignes 2019
Le Clos du Rouge Gorge is located in Latour-de-France, in Roussillon. The estate belongs to Cyril Fhal, winemaker since 2002. Cyril Fhal came to Roussillon from the Loire Valley and found small plots of vineyards on the hillside facing north on gneiss. It has 7.50 hectares of vines certified organic since 2003 but follows the principles of biodynamics. Natural composts and biodynamic treatments have revitalised the soil, and the plants and flowers among the vines bring beneficial insects and diverse wildlife. Cyril Fhal refused the regulations of the AOC Roussillon, which impose 30% Syrah or Mourvèdre. He cultivates instead of Carignan, Cinsault, Macabeu, Grenache Noir and Gris.
The Vieilles Vignes is produced mainly from Carignan (85%), with a small proportion of Grenache Noir, Macabeu, Grenache Blanc and Mourvèdre (15%) from a field blend. The vines are 90 years old on average. After destemming, the grapes are infused for 3 weeks in casks. Fermentation is spontaneous with indigenous yeasts. The wine is aged for 20 months in 500-litres barrels, then 6 months in stainless steel vats.
Grape varieties: 85% Carignan, 15% Grenache Noir, Macabeu, Grenache Blanc and Mourvèdre