Domaine des Accoles Chapelle 2012
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Offers a juicy, brambly edge, with black cherry, currant and pepper notes backed by a hint of licorice snap. Grenache, Carignan, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon.
In 2010, when some vines went up for sale in Saint-Marcel d’Ardèche, the two jumped on the opportunity. Located in the heart of the IGP Ardèche, the land consisted of old vines of Carignan and Grenache, many more than 50-60 years old, grouped together in small islands, perfect conditions for an organic and biodynamic domaine.
They named the domaine “des Accoles”, meaning “terraces” in the Occitan language. The vines are planted on terraces of clay and limestone dating back to the Miocene epoch and surrounded by forests. Oliver and Florence started the conversion to organic and biodynamic viticulture in 2011, promoting biodiversity in their framing practices, using no pesticides or synthetic fertilizers and allowing grass to grow naturally between the vines.
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
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.