60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre, 5% Cinsault and 5% Carignan. The Dom (32ha) was created by Pierre Roussel in the 1960’s and since 1989 has been run by daughter Marine Roussel, using only natural products in the vineyard and hand-picking the best grapes from vines over 30 years old. The vines are on pockets of sandy loam mixed with alluvial soils and most are pruned low to aid ripening from the reflected heat. Hand-harvested mid-Sept. Fermentation lasts 4 weeks in concrete tanks at 18°C. Natural malolactic then matured in large oak barrels for 6 months. Suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

Lightly fruity nose. Spicy and rather good taste but the alcohol’s too hot.
Alc 14.5%, TA 5.3g/l, pH 3.6, RS 3.3g/l. Available from Wine Direct and 192 branches.
15/10/2008

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