Chateau Revelette Rouge 2021

Wine Description for Chateau Revelette Rouge 2021 by Revelette

Colour & Appearance

Intense garnet to purple-red, which underscores the youthful power of this Provence red wine.

Nose

This 2021 presents itself dark and spicy with restraint – a cool, almost Nordic character for a southern Frenchman. Sloe berries, damsons and blackberries dominate, underpinned by a striking note of black olives. These are joined by Provençal herbs, mineral stone and a spicy hint of tobacco and wood. The whole-bunch fermentation makes itself known with subtle stem notes – a wine that demands patience.

Palate

On the palate, the Revelette shows spicy and tobacco-like character with renewed hints of sloe berries and black olives. Despite its juiciness, it possesses a herbal, almost rustic character with firm, still youthful tannins. The wine definitely needs air – after an hour of decanting it becomes more supple and accessible, without losing its Provençal earthiness.

Finish

Medium-length with herbal tannins, spicy herb notes and a mineral freshness that recalls the stony soils at the foot of Montagne Sainte-Victoire.

Terroir & Origin

The 30 hectares of vineyards at Château Revelette are distributed across 17 parcels near Jouques, approximately 30 kilometres north of Aix-en-Provence. In the shelter of the legendary Montagne Sainte-Victoire – that mountain which Cézanne painted countless times – the vines benefit from a special microclimate and stony soils that give the wine its mineral character.

Grape Variety & Vinification

A Cuvée of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache, supplemented by smaller proportions of Cinsault, Counoise and Carignan. The grape varieties were harvested separately and fermented at 25-27°C for approximately 25 days – impressive is the high proportion of 60% whole bunches. Aged in used barrels, which gives the wine its spicy structure without excessive oak influence.

Food Pairing Recommendations

Perfect with lamb cutlets with olive tapenade and Provençal herbs, stew with sausages and bacon or a couscous with braised apricots, dates and figs. The spicy, olive-like note harmonises beautifully with Mediterranean cuisine.

Special Features

A characterful Provence red wine that deliberately swims against the current with its cool spice and high whole-bunch proportion. Definitely decant!