Domaine des 2 Anes "Premiers Pas" Languedoc-Roussillon, France 2022

FROM JENNY & FRANCOIS:

THE WINE: Mostly Carignan, a little black Grenache. The premier pas is the lightest wine Magali makes, a whole cluster fermentation in stainless steel tanks. A pigeage occurs & fermentation lasts two or three weeks. Only natural yeast is used, and the wine is fermented and aged in the same tanks under temperature control. The wine is bottled without fining or filtration. Dark ruby in the glass with shimmering purple highlights. Beautiful scents of red currant, ultra-ripe pomegranate flesh, crushed plums, and warm pear skins. The palate delivers loads of red & black fruit flavors backed by a pretty dusting of mineral-infused garrigue. This wine is an outstanding value. Works with a wide variety of red & white meats right off the grill, aged sheep’s & goat’s milk cheeses and spicy sausages.

THE PRODUCER: Magali Terrier’s Domaine des Deux Anes in Peyriac-de-Mer—a small commune in the coastal part of AOC Corbieres, roughly half-way between the city of Montpellier and the Spanish border—is one such “diamond in the rough”. Directly overlooking the Mediterranean sea, surrounded by the typical garrigues (shrubs of aromatic herbs and plants found throughout the region whose aromas are often mirrored in the wine), this land enjoys ample sun exposure, little rainfall, and the moderate maritime influence, which naturally balance the wines between power and freshness. Most importantly, there’s a steady supply of wind (the dry tramontane coming from the inland) that constantly blows through the vines and grapes, drying them out and keeping them healthy. Sounds like the perfect spot for respectful, chemical-free viticulture, right?

Very much so; this is exactly why Magali decided to settle here in 2000 after having previously worked for different estates in her native Beaujolais, Jura or Macon. “I have always had this immense passion for wines made in harmony with nature, from healthy grapes, and Languedoc seemed like the perfect spot to express this,” recalls la vigneronne. The spot was love at first sight: a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean, with a vibe of freedom and wilderness, and most of all vines that are in great shape, including some old Carignan plantation (now up to 75 years of age) with perfect sun and sea exposure.