Closerie Saint Roc 2016

The Closerie Saint Roc 2016 is a red wine from Puisseguin in Bordeaux, classic in style and bottled without any addition of sulphur. In the glass it appears garnet red with slightly brownish reflections, somewhat translucent. The nose is charming and elegant, with scents of ripe blackberries, cherries, a hint of cassis, dried roses and violets. Beneath these lie undergrowth, a forest floor of wet foliage, a touch of leather and wild roses.

Twelve kilometres from Saint-Émilion, Pascal Amoreau tends a walled, medieval estate that he revived in 2013; his family has run Château Le Puy since 1610. The 16 hectares of vineyard lie at 80 to 106 metres of altitude, with soils of clay, silt and sand over asteria limestone rich in fossils. The estate is farmed biodynamically, horses plough between the vines, agroforestry and permaculture are integrated, and 200 blackcurrant bushes support biodiversity.

70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, with an average vine age of 35 years. After hand-harvesting, the grapes ferment spontaneously with their own yeasts, after which the wine matures for 24 months in used oak barrels. It is bottled without any addition of sulphur, without filtration and without fining.

The start is silky and fresh with medium body, then the firm tannin becomes noticeable, giving the wine structure. It remains transparent, clearly defined and juicy, carried by a ripe, silky acidity.

Saddle of lamb with flageolet beans and entrecôte à la Bordelaise match the structure and earthy aromatics of this Bordeaux; for vegetarian cuisine, a chili sin carne works well.

After fermentation, the wine is stirred rhythmically according to the lunar calendar. The estate vinifies its parcels separately and bottles them as single-vineyard wines.