Côtes de Provence, France
IGP Pays des Bouches-du-Rhône
At the foot of the majestic Sainte Baume Massif, here is one beautiful vineyard of 24 hectares located at an altitude of almost 400 m in the hollow of a large rock circus. The particular geology of the place helps Raimond de Villeneuve to cultivate his vineyard using biodynamics, a real ecosystem far from any pollution. He cultivates the traditional grapes of Provence in accordance with cosmic cycles and follows biodynamic principles.
This cuvée is named after the snapdragon flower (called Gueule-de-Loup in French, literally “wolf’s mouth”) that is native to the Mediterranean. Balanced and juicy, with meaty notes on the nose. The vinification lasts two to four weeks in temperature-controlled tanks, with élevage in cement tanks (80%) and foudre (20%) - unfined and unfiltered. A blend of 80% Grenache, 10% Cinsault and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon that's packed with juicy dark fruit, punchy cherry, meaty and spicy notes. There's a hint of brambly Mediterranean herbs in the background but what really leads the way through this powerful palate is the core of fruit. This checks the boxes for round, silky and lifted and is smashing the voluptuousness scale into the stratosphere.
Food pairings recos include Chinese peking duck, grilled flank steak, game meat sausages, braised rabbit stew, tomato risotto, smoky eggplant (as a dip, like babaghanoush, or as a side with a meal) - honestly, anything from the bbq hits the spot with this gorgeous southern French belle