Domaine de Faverand - Les Romarins 2023
At the foot of Mont Ventoux, in Mazan, Domaine de Faverand is part of a new generation of Rhône estates that prioritize finesse and terroir expression. Created by François Tessonneau, a former collaborator of Emmanuel Reynaud at the Rayas and Fonsalette estates, this vineyard of about five hectares cultivates a unique identity within the southern Rhône. The estate benefits from the influence of Ventoux, whose altitude and air currents help temper the intense summer heat. Its plots rest on soils with varied compositions, notably sandy and clay-limestone, contributing to the diversity of its wines' expressions. François Tessonneau favors viticulture respectful of biodiversity, with particular attention to soil life and the development of agroforestry. Les Romarins embodies this philosophy through a delicate interpretation of southern grape varieties, where fruit freshness and the softness of the texture play an essential role. This cuvée naturally evokes the Provençal landscapes surrounding the estate, between Mediterranean vegetation, vineyards, and the reliefs of Ventoux.
Les Romarins 2023 is made from a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Carignan, three emblematic grape varieties of the southern Rhône valley. Grenache brings fruit generosity and roundness, while Syrah contributes aromatic structure and spicy nuances. Carignan completes this balance with its freshness and personality, particularly interesting in the southern climatic context. The vines are managed with constant attention to their natural balance, to preserve homogeneous ripeness and limit cellar interventions. François Tessonneau favors gentle vinification, seeking delicate extraction rather than excessive concentration. The aging aims to preserve the aromatic brightness of the grapes and the fluidity of the texture, in a style deliberately moving away from the most powerful expressions of the southern Rhône. The 2023 vintage thus offers an accessible and elegant interpretation of this terroir, supported by the natural generosity of the grape varieties and the freshness sought by the estate.
Les Romarins 2023 develops an expressive bouquet of ripe red fruits, cherry and raspberry, gradually enriched with notes of pepper, thyme, and garrigue. Upon aeration, floral nuances and a slight touch of licorice complete this aromatic palette without weighing down its expression. On the palate, the attack favors softness and freshness, with a delicately enveloping texture and fine tannins. The fruit maintains a beautiful liveliness, supported by a balanced structure that allows the wine to remain particularly pleasant to taste. The finish, persistent and slightly spicy, reveals notes of small black fruits and Mediterranean herbs. Accessible from today, this cuvée can also evolve favorably over a few years, developing more complex nuances of undergrowth and sweet spices. It will perfectly accompany grilled lamb chops, herb-roasted poultry, pork tenderloin, or confit Mediterranean vegetables.
Grape varieties: Grenache, Syrah, Carignan
