PLANT DU ROC

Grape variety

100% Carignan

IGP Cité de Carcassonne

The vineyard

Plant du Roc is one of the many names for Carignan, because it needs no wire to hold itself up. It stands like a rock on its stony plateau, facing south with a magnificent view of the Pyrenees. Old vines of 80 years on a soil of sandstone and variegated marl. Hand harvested, sorted on the vine, yield of 30 hl/ha.

Winemaking and ageing

The bunches stay whole during fermentation, with regular pump-overs. Natural fermentation with no added yeast since 2006. Long maceration after fermentation. Aged in tank for 12 months, bottled without fining or filtration.

Annual production

4,000 bottles

Food pairing

Summer grills, spiced dishes, fillet of beef smoked over hay, rack of lamb with white bean cream, osso buco.

Tasting

"On the nose, an explosion of blackcurrant and blackberry. These 80 year old vines are still on their feet and they give this wine a bright, deep and honest look, with fine silky tannins. On the palate the balance is perfect between power and harmony, between vivacity and softness."

WEINZEITUNG 2013

A mineral, tart, peppery bouquet, with notes of cherries, chalk, black pepper and black blackberries. A tart, medium-bodied, spicy palate with good fruit, finely grained tannins, spicy, fragrant aromas and a delicately tart finish.

• WEINWISSER 2012 René Gabriel

A medium-dark ruby colour with violet glints at the rim. A sweet bouquet of red cherries, light coffee and delicate notes of raisins, revealing a lovely sweetness. A rich, finely textured and subtly robust palate, with plenty of red berries in the extract; it has good structure and is still developing. Excellent value for money.