Pierre Cros, Minervois Rouge Vieilles Vignes 2017

Pierre Cros “My affection to this arid, rocky piece of earth, where draught prevails more than elsewhere, encouraged me to preserve some antique vineyards, planted with Carignan (1905 and 1910), Alicante (1927), Picpoul noir (1910) and Aramon (1930), as well as a Picpoul blanc from 1910.”In the 1980s, he started growing grape varieties recommended by the Minervois farmers union: Cinsault, Grenache noir, Syrah and Mourvèdre for the red varieties, and Vermentino, Muscat Petits Grains as well as Grenache Blanc and Gris to make white wines. Since 2000, longing for originality and freedom, he started experimenting with grape varieties from highly renowned wine regions of both France and abroad: Pinot noir from Burgundy, Nebbiolo from Barolo and Touriga nacional from the Dao and Douro regions in Portugal.

CLIMATE

The climate is typically Mediterranean with mild winters, consistently dry summers, and moderate springs and autumns.

TERROIR

Stony, limestone-clay soils – very dry region.

VITICULTURE

Domaine Pierre Cros extends over some 50 hectares, with only half of it being planted with vineyards. The other half consists of wild Garrigue, but also of almond trees, olive groves and even truffle oaks. Lutte raisonnee. No green harvest, taille gobelet 4-5 coursons 1 œil. 

VINIFICATION

• Manual harvested

• 1 part of the harvest goes in carbonique maceration and the other is foule/pige.

• Malolactic fermentation.

• Wood tank 40hl and barrels (mixed growing).

TASTING NOTE

The fruit may be dark but the wine is not heavy or extracted, the roasted pluminess underpinned by soothing stoniness.

FOOD RECOMMENDATION

Meat dishes, venison, hearty meals and cheese.