Calmel et Joseph : Les Terroirs 2014

An Elegant Faugeres with a Strong Identity

Established in 1995, Calmel et Joseph is a "maison de negoce" with a specialty in Languedoc-Roussillon wines produced by private wineries across the region. In collaboration with several trusted growers in several appellations, Lauren Calmel and Jerome Joseph work together in the vinification, blending and aging of wines to express their unique Mediterranean terroirs of origin. The "Les Terroirs" Faugeres from Calmel et Joseph is a blend of 60% Syrah, 25% Grenache and 15% Carignan from the Faugeres appellation. The vines grow in schist soils characteristic of this region. The grapes are destemmed and sorted, followed by different vinification programs. Carignan is vinified gently without crushing the grapes, while 30% of the Syrah is crushed before the wine is vinified without pump overs. The Grenache is vinified at 30 °C for a period of one month. Malolactic fermentation takes place with the marc. After blending the wine is aged in tank for 15 months before bottling.

In the glass, the "Les Terroirs" Faugeres from Calmel et Joseph is ruby red in color. The nose is quite intense, revealing hints of graphite, as well as dark fruits, toast and the garrigue typical of the region (mint, fennel, thyme). On the palate, this wine is straightforward and pure, with a well-defined tannic structure and notes of pepper spice which linger into the finish.