Sourced from old vines, some over a hundred years in age, in the village of Limoux, within the Languedoc region of southern France, this 2023 vintage wine is a great example of 100% Carignan. However, the age of the vines is a crucial factor here. ‘Vieilles Vignes’ means ‘old vines’ that help lend the wine a concentration and depth that’s hard to find at this price point.
Fermentation took place partly in tank and partly in barrel, giving the wine both softness and a subtle oak influence. Carignan is a grape variety often associated with high acidity and rough, rustic tannins, making it a challenging wine in its youth. However, that’s far from the case with this wine. It shows a much softer, more approachable character, thanks to the likely use of carbonic maceration while in tank, a winemaking technique frequently employed with Carignan to tame its naturally grippy structure.
It’s important to let this wine breathe for at least 30 minutes, in a decanter or the glass, before drinking, as it really opens up with time, revealing its full complexity. The back label, for once, is spot on, describing “aromas of dark berry, spice and hints of earthiness” and a palate where “velvety tannins complement vibrant fruit flavours”. But there’s even more to it. The wine is off-dry, with a very slight sweetness. Caramel and vanilla notes reflect the touch of oak ageing and there’s a rich, rounded mouthfeel with impressive length. At just 12.5% ABV, it still delivers a bold, satisfying texture, proof that a wine doesn’t need high alcohol to have presence.
At only £9.99 as part of a Mix Six at Majestic, this is great value for money and a hidden gem. It challenges the idea that great French wine must be expensive. Decanter has rated it a high 94 points and it also holds a solid 4.0 rating on Vivino, rare praise for something so financially accessible.
