by Jeff Carrel “Les Darons” Languedoc
WHY WE LOVE IT
- From 30+ year old Grenache, 50+ year old Carignan, and 20+ year old Syrah vines planted in the La Clape (56%), the Agly Valley (18%), Minervois (19%), Saint Chinian (7%).
- Clay/limestone for the Grenache; lacustre and shatter in Minervois; sand in La Clape.
- Sustainably grown from old-vines Grenache & Carignan (averaging 40+ years in age!) with a dollop of younger- vines Syrah.
- Yields of just 2.33 tons/acre for the Grenache and Carignan.
Varietal Composition: 75% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 5% Carignan
Elaboration: The Grenache and Carignan were vinified together (fully destemmed, extraction by pigeage) in concrete tanks. Pre-fermation maceration for the Syrah (extraction by pigeage and pumpovers). Blended and aged in cement tanks on the fine lees. Unoaked, bottled in early summer.
Tasting Notes: An accessible wine with loads of character, “Les Darons” is packed with ripe, red and dark fruit aromas, with plenty of spice and a streak of underlying minerality.
PRESS
2015 – 91-93 Wine Advocate
2016 – 91 Jeb Dunnuck
2017 – 90 Wine & Spirits | 90 Wine Advocate | 91-93 Jeb Dunnuck
2018 – 90-92 Jeb Dunnuck
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
Jeff Carrel develops an original range of wines, with original labels and affordable prices: simple wines but not simplistic. Each wine has its own universe and its own story to tell. Making wines with a strong identity, with societal and environmental values, technical precision and personality, all the way from the vines to the bottle.
Grenache and Carignan, the two most important varietals in the wines by Jeff Carrel, have long been cultivated in Southern France and represent the “forefathers” of the Languedoc Appellation’s red wines. An homage showcasing these varietals, this wine was subsequently labeled “Les Darons”, the affectionate expression for “The Parents” in the Parisian suburbs where winemaker Jeff Carrel was born.