Domaine La Remejeanne Cotes-du-Rhone Rouge Les Arbousiers 2012

Owned by Olivier Klein, this domaine is located in the little-known village of Sabran, nestled in rather dramatic hills divided between forests of green oak and vineyards. The 35 hectares of vineyards are planted at the relatively high altitude of 200 to 280 meters resulting in a cooler climate than Chateauneuf-du-Pape or Gigondas, and endows the wines with a freshness and liveliness not often encountered in the Southern Rhone. Klein is an extremely conscientious winemaker, constantly testing new approaches to improve his wines. As Andrew Jefford writes in The New France (© 2002): “Lengthy extractions, micro-oxygenation…, lees work, malolactic in barrique: all of these are practiced here, but always thoughtfully and never routinely.” Grapes are hand-harvested and sorted on a table de tri, ensuring that only the healthiest fruit makes it into the bottle.