Vila Voltaire Puech Auriol Rouge 2019

From the importer: The Puech Auriol Rouge comes from a beautiful 70-year-old bush vine Carignan vineyard in the Saint-Chinian region of Languedoc. In the DOP of Saint-Chinian, 100% Carignan is not allowed and must be blended, thus why this wine bears the IGP designation of Coteaux d’Ensérune instead. About 20% of the grapes remain in whole clusters, which aids for a slower natural fermentation that lasts about three weeks in stainless steel, and the wine is then aged for one year in both 160-liter (French) clay amphora, as well as used 600L French Tonneau. The aromatics are lively with licorice, black pepper, clove, and garrigue, leading to a delicious and very balanced palate that accentuates the savory nose with dark juicy fruit. Lovely acidity fills the mouth, silky tannins, and a depth of structure that really speaks to a sense of place, as the terroir and garrigue herbs come into focus alongside the bright and fresh fruit-forward palate.