2014 Domaine Rimbert ‘Les Travers de Marceau’

Region: St. Chinian < Languedoc < France 
Grapes: Mourvedre, 30% Syrah, 25% Carignan, 15% Cinsault
Vineyard/Cellar Stats: Organic farming (in process of certifying), schist soils, varietals are fermented separately in concrete eggs, minimal SO2 
Winemaker: Jean-Marie Rimbert

A native of Provence, Jean-Marie arrived in the Languedoc in the early 1990s. After 5 years managing other vineyards he scraped up enough cash to purchase the first of his parcels, falling for the old-vine Carignan, high-elevation and schist-dominated soils in the north of the St. Chinian AOC. In this terroir, the Carignan grape thrives, producing elegant fruit that resembles Pinot Noir. Jean-Marie has since become one of the region’s most respected (and eccentric) voices for natural winemaking in the large and often industrial Languedoc wine region. This wine has so much character and soul for the price. Juicy red fruit meets earth and minerals, with a backbone of silken minerality. For BBQs and anytime sipping, with a slight chill, 30 minutes in the fridge, so good…