2019 Domaine des Ardoisières 'Amethyste' Rouge

Region: Coteau de Cevins, Savoie, France

Grapes:  60% Persan, 40% Mondeuse

Vineyard Practice: Certified organic, practising biodynamic

Culinary Suggestions: Charcuterie, char-coaled beef and pork

Alcohol: 11.5%

Bottle Size: 750ml

A masterful blend that showcases Alpine freshness and elegance. Featuring layers of vibrant red and black fruits, refined pepper notes, and crisp, crunchy tannins, this wine is perfect for enjoyment now or cellaring through 2031+

Origins

In 1998, Michel Grisard embarked on a visionary project to rejuvenate the hillside of Cevins by replanting six hectares of mica-schists on terraces nestled between Albertville and Moutiers. This ambitious endeavour gave birth to Domaine des Ardoisières. Brice Omont, an agricultural engineer with roots in Champagne, joined in 2003, and has since ascended to lead the estate, now expanded to 16 hectares.

The estate is celebrated for its commitment to biodynamic viticulture, thriving in an Alpine climate that combines sandy clay soil with mica-schist and limestone scree bedrock. The steep slopes, with inclinations of up to 60% and southern exposure at altitudes between 400-500 metres, contribute to a wine production that is both limited and highly esteemed, capped at 25 hectoliters per hectare.

The Ardoisières Amethyste, the domaine’s flagship red cuvée, hails from the sun-drenched, vertiginous slopes of the Coteau de Cévins. This vineyard’s metamorphic mica-schist soils yield a wine reminiscent of the finest Côte-Rôtie, marked by stony raspberry fruit, a hint of pepper, impeccable balance, and a distinctive saline finish. Crafted from whole bunches and aged in barrels ranging from two to ten years old, this cuvée is a testament to the unique terroir and meticulous winemaking practices of Domaine des Ardoisières. To ensure the wine’s purity and stability, minimal quantities of SO2 are added at racking and pre-bottling, achieving a total of 35mg/l.

Cork Tasting Notes

A striking aroma of rich crimson and black fruits, complemented by subtle notes of liquorice and red pepper, abounds in the 2019 Amethyste. Rich layers of black wild berries and red bramble fruit give way to a zesty, energetic acidity on the tongue, which is sensuous and well-structured. A finish with silky, crisp tannins and a distinctly saline quality marks the culmination of the encounter.