Domaine des Accoles Le Rendez-vous des Acolytes 2013
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In 2010, when some vines went up for sale in Saint-Marcel d’Ardèche, the two jumped on the opportunity. Located in the heart of the IGP Ardèche, the land consisted of old vines of Carignan and Grenache, many more than 50-60 years old, grouped together in small islands, perfect conditions for an organic and biodynamic domaine.
They named the domaine “des Accoles”, meaning “terraces” in the Occitan language. The vines are planted on terraces of clay and limestone dating back to the Miocene epoch and surrounded by forests. Oliver and Florence started the conversion to organic and biodynamic viticulture in 2011, promoting biodiversity in their framing practices, using no pesticides or synthetic fertilizers and allowing grass to grow naturally between the vines.
Grenache thrives in any warm, Mediterranean climate where ample sunlight allows its clusters to achieve full phenolic ripeness. While Grenache's birthplace is Spain (there called Garnacha), today it is more recognized as the key player in the red blends of the Southern Rhône, namely Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Côtes du Rhône and its villages. Somm Secret—The Italian island of Sardinia produces bold, rustic, single varietal Grenache (there called Cannonau). California, Washington and Australia have achieved found success with Grenache, both flying solo and in blends.
An extensive appellation producing a diverse selection of good quality and great values, Languedoc spans the Mediterranean coast from the Pyrenees mountains of Roussillon all the way to the Rhône Valley. Languedoc’s terrain is generally flat coastal plains, with a warm Mediterranean climate and frequent risk of drought.
Virtually every style of wine is made in this expansive region. Most dry wines are blends with varietal choice strongly influenced by the neighboring Rhône Valley. For reds and rosés, the primary grapes include Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, Cinsault and Mourvèdre. White varieties include Grenache Blanc, Muscat, Ugni Blanc, Vermentino, Macabéo, Clairette, Piquepoul and Bourbelenc.
International varieties are also planted in large numbers here, in particular Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon.
The key region for sparkling wines here is Limoux, where Blanquette de Limoux is believed to have been the first sparkling wine made in France, even before Champagne. Crémant de Limoux is produced in a more modern style.