Domaine de la Combe au Mas "Rico" Ventoux Rouge, Rhône Valley, France 2023

FROM JEFFREY ALPERT:

THE WINE: Grenache 80% (20 years), Syrah 10% (30 years)and Grenache blanc 10% (10 years). All fermentations are with natural yeast only. Grenache is entirely de-stemmed. Syrah and Grenache blanc are left whole-cluster. Grapes ferment separately in resin-lined tank. Temperature controlled. Wine spends one month in century-old amphorae. No fining, no filtering .Tiny dose of sulfur (25mg/L) at bottling only.

THE PRODUCER: Thomas Ayoun and Marie-Sophie Jullien have proudly brought attention to the Ayoun family at Domaine de la Combe au Mas. Located at the foot of Mont Ventoux in the commune of Mormoiron, Thomas and Marie-Sophie farm their 8 hectares according to a philosophy that emphasizes organics, polyculture, and biodiversity. The domaine is situated in a unique microclimate wherein the descending cold air currents from Mont Ventoux deliver a notable freshness to the wines. All grapes are harvested entirely by hand, fermented using native yeasts only, and mature in century-old amphorae that Thomas sourced from the south of Spain.