L’Argile AOC 2021

Wine Description for L’Argile AOC 2021 by Saint Jean Du Barroux

Colour & Appearance

Luminous purple-red with subtly brightening rim – a visual promise of the ripeness and concentration that this wine from the elevated slopes of Mont Ventoux brings.

Nose

The nose is an olfactory journey through the Provençal landscape: garrigue, liquorice and Mediterranean herbs meet dry earth and warm forest floor. Behind this unfolds an opulent dark fruit palette of blackberries, black cherries and plums, complemented by sloe, fermented black cardamom and a hint of sweet pipe tobacco. Complex and multi-layered.

Palate

On the palate, Syrah and Carignan display their muscular side: dark, meaty, with present tannin and stony minerality. Undergrowth, smoked meat, violets and Assam tea meld with an iron-tinged note. Despite southern power and 14.5% alcohol, the wine possesses a remarkably cool, refined character – testament to the elevation and clayey terroir. The ripe, structuring tannin lends pressure and depth.

Finish

Long, mineral and sustained with persistent dark fruit notes and a spicy tannin structure that invites you to return.

Terroir & Origin

The grapes come from high-altitude, clayey vineyards (hence the name „L’Argile“) on Mont Ventoux and the Dentelles de Montmirail. This elevation bestows the wine its fresh elegance despite southern warmth.

Grape Variety & Vinification

A blend of Grenache, Syrah, Carignan and Cinsault, hand-harvested at a minimalist yield of just 15 hl/ha. 75% destemmed, fermented for ten days and aged for 24 months in concrete and enamel tanks – a purist vinification that places fruit and terroir centre stage.

Food Pairing Suggestions

A wine for robust dishes: herb-roasted lamb shoulder, braised beef, game ragout, aged Comté or Pecorino. Also an excellent choice with grilled vegetables with aubergines.

Special Features

Philippe Gimel attests to this wine a ageing potential of 15 years – a rarity for Provence wines in this price bracket. The extreme yield reduction and extended ageing create a wine of impressive concentration and cellaring potential.