2018 Domaine Gauby 'Calcinaires' Rouge, Côtes Catalanes

Domaine Gauby is located in southern France, not far from Perpignan in the Roussillon, which is very close to Spain. It is a beautiful part of the world, very unspoiled, wild, rocky, and dry. There are a lot of rugged hills with soils composed of limestone, marl, and shale which is ideal for vine cultivation. The Gauby family established the Domaine in 1983, Gerard who is now the 3rd generation runs it with a biodynamic philosophy and the family produces their own vegetal preparations to apply to the vines. Weeds are grown between rows to compete with the vines forcing the roots down deeper. The combination of old vines (up to 120 years for their Carignan) and the vineyard practices mean extremely low yields of around 20hl/ha are in place.   Why do we like it? It is one of the very best Domaine of the region, producing wines of character and soul. The red Calcinaires is a blend of Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Carignan coming from a mix of old and young vines planted on limestone soil. It’s a brilliant blend of wild red and black berries and roasted herbs such as rosemary and thymes. It is medium-bodied with lively plummy and earthy minerals too. A great combination of power and elegance.    Grape           Grenache, Syrah & Mourvedre Country        France                               Region          Cotes Catalanes                           Vintage         2018