Francois Ducrot Saint-So Cinsault 2019
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Winemaker Notes
François Ducrot, is the winemaker and “magician of vinification” from Domaine Enclos de La Croix in Lansargues, Languedoc.
A couple of years ago, François realized that several talented local organic farmers in Aspiran, a 45-minute drive west of Montpellier, were selling their grapes to co-ops to be mixed with other grapes in the production of bulk wine. What a pity!
François decided to buy these grapes and create a negociant that showcased some vibrant wines from an all-but-unknown terroir of Languedoc.
Francois only purchases organic grapes. Vinification is performed with indigenous yeast and no additive except sulfites when necessary (up to 50 ppm).
In August 2019, Ducrot vinified a 100% Cinsault, a rare varietal by itself but delicious to drink. Cinsault is both a table grape and a vitis vinifera. The skin is very thin and the berries are large compared to Grenache, Syrah, or Mourvèdre.
It produces a lot of juice and makes for very light, energetic reds. Focusing on a grape that is mostly used for rosé or added to a blend, bringing the alcohol levels down and acidity of the wine up, and producing a suave, aromatic, and crisp red from a super-hot region that would satisfy any wine drinkers craving.
Drink it with a little chill and enjoy!
A charmer in the Southern Rhône Valley, Cinsault thrives in any hot and windy climate, and finds success in many other countries. It is a parent grape alongside Pinot Noir, of South Africa’s acclaimed red grape, Pinotage. Somm Secret—Given its relatively long history in California, Cinsualt is often “hidden” in the Zinfandel blends of Sonoma and Contra Costa Counties. Historically planted alongside Zinfandel (with Petite Sirah and Mourvedre) in the same vineyard, Cinsault is now an essential part of many “field blends.”
A small category representing the wines that either fall outside of appellation lines or don’t subscribe to the law and traditions set forth by the French government within certain classified appellations, “Vin De France” is a catch-all that includes some of the most basic French wines as well as those of superior quality. The category includes large production, value-driven wines. It also includes some that were made with a great deal of creativity, diligence and talent by those who desire to make wine outside of governmental restrictions. These used to be called Vin de Table (table wine) but were renamed to compete with other European countries' wines of similar quality.