Description

An excellent Rasteau called ‘Ilex’ (after Quercus Ilex the endemic species of oak tree) that achieved full A.O.C. status in the 2010 vintage. It hails from a broadly similar blend to the Domaine Saint Gayan Gigondas and, although not quite as concentrated and powerful, the Rasteau is still a bold, fruit-packed wine. It is ideally suited to earthy stews and casseroles and will age well for 5 to 10 years if properly cellared. The blend usually comprises around 63% Grenache Noir, 26% Mourvèdre and 11% Syrah, vintage dependent.
From vines with an average age of 35+ years, on 5 hectares of argilo-calcaire (clay-limestone) soils, these relatively low-yielding vines (30hl/ha) produce concentrated, darkly-fruited juice. Hand-harvested berries are fermented and aged in a mixture of stainless-steel and concrete tanks.