*Mas De Sainte Croix D'un Climate*

Description

Jacques Coipel worked in a completely different industry before deciding a career change was what he needed. In 2002 he purchased a vineyard estate in a village in the Rhône Valley and began making wine. Historically the property was owned by the church and after the French Revolution, it passed through many hands, but it was never planted as a vineyard. Instead, the land was used for cattle and lavender. The vineyards sit at an altitude of 1200 feet above sea level and the soil structure is a mixture of clay, limestone, and gravel. The cooling winds that come from the north, combined with the high altitude bring brightness to the wines and deeper, more complex fruit character. The village of Valréas achieved Côte-Du-Rhône Village Cru status in 1967, which identifies the historical significance of the quality of the wines produced here. Jacques' son, Julien, studied winemaking as well, working in Switzerland and New Zealand, working with such esteemed wineries as Te Mata Estates. He joined his father in 2010, and slowly took over the reigns, adding his touch to the wines produced. This Côte-Du-Rhône offers complex, earthy nuances that are balanced by textbook notes of pepper, fresh herbs, and garrigue. There is a lot of depth and purity in this wine.

Pairing

Rosemary elk roast with cranberry, peppered lamb chops, steak and kidney pie.