<tc>Domaine des Schistes - Côtes-du-Roussillon-Villages - Essencial rouge</tc>

ORGANIC

Keywords : Fruity / Indulgent / Pleasure

The wine : Essencial rouge from Domaine des Schistes is the kind of bottle that reminds us why Roussillon can produce incredibly seductive reds when crafted with precision rather than excess. Here, there is no show of power, the wine plays a different tune: that of fruit, of Mediterranean spices and indulgence. From the very first nose, aromas of crisp dark fruits, garrigue, and pepper open generously, while the palate charms with its balance between freshness, roundness, and finesse of the tannins. Driven by the schist terroirs that give the estate its identity, this cuvée pairs just as well with a fine grilled piece of meat as with casual cuisine or a charcuterie platter among friends. A sincere and expressive cuvée that perfectly captures the Roussillon sunshine while maintaining true elegance.

Volume : 75cl

Type : Red wine

Grape varieties : 38% Carignan, 34% Lladoner Pelut, 28% Grenache

AOC : Côtes-du-Roussillon-Villages

Aging potential : Ready to drink now and can be kept until 2030

Serving temperature : 16-18°C

The estate : Located in Estagel northwest of Perpignan, the domaine des Schistes belongs to the Sire family, winemakers since the early 19th century. Jacques Sire took the estate out of the cooperative system in 1989 and today it is his son, Mickaël, who manages the property. The wines have been certified Organic Agriculture since 2010 and are notably produced under AOC Côtes du Roussillon, Maury, Muscat de Rivesaltes, and IGP Côtes Catalanes. The 48 hectares of the estate are divided into several plots and are mainly situated on schist soils (as the name of the estate suggests!). Carignan and Lladoner Pelut are the stars among the reds, while Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris, and Macabeu make up the majority of the whites. The estate's cuvées are very diverse : some focus on fruit and immediate pleasure, while others are deep, complex, and deserve to be cellared for several years. Freshness is a common thread in all the wines. A very beautiful family estate from Roussillon !