2015 Corbières “Rozeta”

Critics argue that carbonic maceration masks terroir and instead stamps its own dominant mark on a wine. But certain combinations of grape and terroir—Gamay in Beaujolais being the foremost example—seem particularly well suited to carbonic maceration, providing wines with a distinct sense of place in addition to the hedonistic easy-drinking appeal the technique is intended to achieve. In the rugged hills of the Hautes-Corbières, Maxime Magnon has discovered the right formula for his old vines of Carignan, Grenache, and Cinsault. The Rozeta features the exuberant, inviting perfume and velvety wild fruit we expect from a wine that underwent 100% whole-cluster fermentation, then finishes with a crunchy backbone reminiscent of dark schist and roasted spices. Beware—the Languedoc just got dangerously gulpable.–Anthony Lynch

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

• Vintage 2015
• Bottle Size 750mL
• Blend Field blend with mostly Carignan; also Grenache, Syrah, Grenache Gris, Macabou, Terret
• Appellation Corbrières
• Country France
• Region Languedoc-Roussillon
• Vineyard 50-60 year average, Approximately 11 ha
• Soil Schist
• Winemaker Maxime Magnon
• Aging Ages wine in previously used Burgundian barrels from a producer in Chassagne-Montrachet
• Farming Lutte Raisonnée
• Alcohol 13%