Classic Cotes du Rhone, offering pleasantly ripe red fruits, some bramble berry, peppercorns and the primary sign post - wonderfully aromatic "garrigue", the disctinctive scent of the Rhone valley that finds its way into the appetizing and satisfying red wines of the region. Why only the reds? It's all about the days of skin contact required to lend red color to the grape's clear juice. And it's those same grape skins where the sticky pollen of the local vegetation affixes itself until coaxed into the fermenting wine!
In the quiet little village of Domazon, just about 9 miles south of Chateauneuf du Pape, the Fabre family farms 25 hectares (60 acres) of very old vines. A true family affair, the young Xavier is now taking over many of the responsibilities from his parents. And while he may bring a youthful, contemporary perspective to the domaine, he raises the Cotes du Rhone to fit the classic profile. While he may experiment with some new cuvees, he understands the basic Cotes du Rhone is a winner not to be mettled with.
The Family - This tradition has been handed down from father to son. Georges Fabre, the father, oversees the vines; his son Xavier supervises the vinification, his other son, Francis is the mayor of the town, and his daughter-in-law Claire manages the substantial "cellar door" and is the unofficial tour guide.
And then there is also the soil... or more accurately, the lack of it? Some of the vineyards are so full of rocks that it makes a simple walk through the vineyard almost impossible. I don't know how one can plant vines in these perfect little rows while navigating such stony treachery under foot. In their vineyards, the Fabres grow only Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre and Carignan - all classic red grapes of the Rhone Valley - with all their vineyards basking in the radiant heat of these stony vineyards.
Cuvee: 50% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 10% each of Mourvedre and Carignan.
