Le Grand Rouge de Revelette IGP 2019

The Le Grand Rouge de Revelette IGP 2019 is the red cuvée from Château Revelette: spicy, racy, Mediterranean. Deep dark violet-red, black at the core and dense in colour right to the rim. On the nose blackberry, sloe and sweet cassis, along with liquid fine chocolate, wood smoke, rosemary, thyme, pepper and juniper.

Château Revelette is located near Jouques, 30 kilometres north of Aix-en-Provence at the foot of the Montagne Sainte-Victoire. The 30 hectares of vines lie at 330 to 400 metres on the northwesternmost edge of the Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence, surrounded by 170 hectares of forest. At night, cold Alpine air drifts down and fills the valley: large day-night temperature swings, slow ripening, freshness and tension in the wine. Peter Fischer, originally from Baden-Baden and trained as an oenologist in Davis, found this place in 1985. He has farmed organically since 1990 and biodynamically since 2011, with preparations made from nettles and eggshells sprayed according to the lunar calendar.

Grenache, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. The Syrah vines from 1984 were the first Fischer found on the estate. The 2019 has 14.0% vol., is dry and needs patience.

Mineral grip settles on the tongue, topped by supple fruit and a fine fruit sweetness. Tannin and acid structure contribute finesse and give the wine great vibrancy.

With grilled lamb chops, marinated with Provençal herbs and olive oil, with pheasant breast wrapped in bacon with Brussels sprout leaves and with bean stew with potatoes and marjoram. Also good with braised dishes and grilled dishes.

Fischer was one of the first winemakers to use concrete eggs; the cellar also holds amphorae, foudres and aroma-neutral concrete tanks. Hugo and Clara, the next generation, now work alongside him.