L’Argile AOC 2020

Information about the wine:
Raise your glass to this exquisite cuvée, a masterful blend of Grenache, Syrah, Carignan and Cinsault, produced from high altitude clayey vineyards with a yield rate of just 15 hl/ha. Harvested entirely by hand and 75 per cent destemmed, the wine underwent a ten-day fermentation period followed by a remarkable 24 months of ageing in concrete and enamel tanks. Philippe Gimel gives this vinophile work of art an impressive 15-year lifespan.

Colourfulness:
Imagine a deep purple, adorned with a hint of brightening at the edge - a real feast for the eyes.

Bouquet of the evening:
The 2020 L'Argile surprises with its strong, dark appearance. It sparks memories of aroma-intensive nuances of plums, cherries and blackberries, supported by notes of a sloe, dry wood and dark tobacco as well as the unique scent of crushed stones. This is complemented by traces of smoked meat, sweet Indian spices and a refreshing top note of violets.

Taste experience:
On the palate, the cuvée unfolds gently and roundly at first, with the warm and fleshy fruit notes. Power and breadth are noticeable before it finally focuses, takes on structure and increasingly shows tannins. The juicy black fruit becomes almost translucent, infused with a ripe acidity and a certain minty tone. Despite everything, the warmth, the sweetness of the extract and the round feeling of southern wines remain ever present.

New culinary combination ideas:
Try it with stuffed cabbage, richly studded with chestnuts and dates. Alternatively, the cuvée harmonises perfectly with bavette, accompanied by roasted spring onions and a creamy walnut pesto. Or how about a leg of venison accompanied by glazed Roscoff onions and lemon thyme?