Ey Vigne Las Collas Grenache 2003
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Winemaker Notes
Winemaker Jacques Bailbe has selected a blend of 90% Grenache and 10% Mourvèdre harvested from 60-year-old vines for this single-vineyard wine. Two horses adorn the family's coat-of-arms and, in a whimsical gesture, an antique carousel horse dating back to the 1920s decorates the entrance to their château – a festive motif reflected on the front of this bottle. Vigne las Callas is part of a collection of single-vineyard wines from the Roussillon, each carefully selected by the Ey (pronounced "aye-ee") family.
Color: Deep crimson
Bouquet: Slightly smoky aroma that recalls dried cherry, ripe strawberry and exotic spices
Taste: Full-bodied and supple, brimming with opulent fruit nicely balanced by an underlying acidity
Varietals: 90% Grenache with 10% Mourvèdre from the same single vineyard
Grenache thrives in any warm, Mediterranean climate where ample sunlight allows its clusters to achieve full phenolic ripeness. While Grenache's birthplace is Spain (there called Garnacha), today it is more recognized as the key player in the red blends of the Southern Rhône, namely Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Côtes du Rhône and its villages. Somm Secret—The Italian island of Sardinia produces bold, rustic, single varietal Grenache (there called Cannonau). California, Washington and Australia have achieved found success with Grenache, both flying solo and in blends.
An extensive appellation producing a diverse selection of good quality and great values, Languedoc spans the Mediterranean coast from the Pyrenees mountains of Roussillon all the way to the Rhône Valley. Languedoc’s terrain is generally flat coastal plains, with a warm Mediterranean climate and frequent risk of drought.
Virtually every style of wine is made in this expansive region. Most dry wines are blends with varietal choice strongly influenced by the neighboring Rhône Valley. For reds and rosés, the primary grapes include Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, Cinsault and Mourvèdre. White varieties include Grenache Blanc, Muscat, Ugni Blanc, Vermentino, Macabéo, Clairette, Piquepoul and Bourbelenc.
International varieties are also planted in large numbers here, in particular Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon.
The key region for sparkling wines here is Limoux, where Blanquette de Limoux is believed to have been the first sparkling wine made in France, even before Champagne. Crémant de Limoux is produced in a more modern style.