Origin
Vineyards are located near the slopes of Sablet, which lend themselves well to these varietals; soil is a mixture of sand and clay, which keeps the plants cool and ensures grapes are well ripened. These vines are also pruned to be low-yielding, which at 33hl/ha is well below the average for the region. This concentrates aromas and flavours in the grape; Grenache is used to create fruitiness and mellowness in the wine, while the Syrah brings structure and delicacy.
Producer
Domaine des Pasquiers is situated in the Southern Rhône, its 87 hectares spread over three appellations: Côtes du Rhône, Côtes du Rhône Plan de Dieu and Côtes du Rhône Sablet et Gigondas. Established in 1935 and now on its third generation of wine growers, currently managing proceedings are brothers Jean-Claude and Philippe Lambert.
Grape Variety
75% Grenache and 25% Syrah.
Grapes are machine harvested, destemmed and crushed. Interestingly both the Grenache and Syrah are fermented together in the same tank (rather than the more normal practice of vinifying each grape separately). The Lambert brothers believe this creates a more integrated wine where the total (effect) is greater than the sums of its parts. The wine is unoaked, resting in tank for 3 months on fine lees prior to a light filtration and bottling.
Food Match
To be honest we could quite happily drink this as an aperitif such is the gorgeousness of the fruit. But put it with a hearty lamb stew or a vegetable chilli and the wine will sing.
Alcohol Percentage
14%
ryanbrady1981 –
A bold, smooth Loire red that paired very well with our venison dish for dinner. Opens up well after breathing leaving a smooth dry finish with well-balanced acidity.
Will (verified owner) –
A superbly fruity and punchy red. Great value and fab accompaniment to a game pie.