Les Vignerons D’Estezargues, Galets Rouge 2019

Les Vignerons d’Estezargues is a superb cooperative winery based not far from Lirac in the southern Rhone.  Started in 1965, the Coop made the brave decision in the 90s to move away from bulk production in favour of quality wines produced from grapes gorwn only in natural vineyards that adhere to the Terra Vitis system of production.  Although not registered organic, the wines basically are.  They are also made using natural yeast, cool fermentations in state of the art steel vats and are bottled without fining or filtration.  Les Vignerons d’Estezargues has become an example to other Coops, showing that they can compete at the quality end of the market and be successful.  Many of the old fashioned Coops of the 50s and 60s are now defunct as the market for poor quality bulk wine has disappeared.  Les Vignerons d’Estezargues have shown that there is a future for the Coop and they make absolutely delicious wines and are fantastic value for money.

Tasting Notes

The Galets Rouge is a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Carignan, the wine has a full fruity body with defined red and blackberry fruit to the fore. It’s a wonderfully balanced wine which represents excellent value for money as it consistently delivers vintage after vintage.

The 2019 is no different and was a highlight for me at a recent tasting, young, fresh and a joy to drink.