A very brilliant ruby red with beautiful purple nuances. Immediate and generous, the nose opens with notes of fresh red and black fruits such as cherry and blueberry, then it is enriched with cocoa powder and a delicate hint of licorice. Round and concentrated from the start, this wine develops a balanced structure on the palate. Present but delicate tannins and a tasty acidity highlight the fruit so well that it lingers on for a long time.
Details
About the Producer
The first vineyards at Domaine de Fontsainte, in the Corbières appellation, were planted by the Romans. Artifacts found in these vineyards, such as an old coin dating from the time of Marcus Agrippa in 25 A.D., are a testament to its antiquity. The original domaine was built around a thermal spring, which was later named for the local, twelfth-century patron saint, Saint Siméon; hence Fontsainte—the saint’s fount. Yves Laboucarié’s family has been making wine here since the seventeenth century, and we were lucky to have met him so early on in his career. For over forty years, KLWM has been proudly importing his wine, and now we work with his son, Bruno. Like his father, one of the first vignerons working with whole cluster
fermentation in the region, he believes strongly in the family’s legacy of
innovation. He has re-equipped the cellars, replanted new vines, and even added
new cuvées. Here at KLWM, we make no secret of why we have been working with
them since 1978. In their lovely part of France, year in and year out, they are
the best. The fairness of their pricing allows us to offer incredible values to
our clientele. The Fontsainte vineyards surround the hamlet of Boutenac in the area known as “The Golden Crescent.” This swath of land is one of the sunniest in the appellation of Corbières, enjoying south-southeast exposure, and protection from the cold, northeast winds by a large 500-hectare forest. The cooler sea breezes from the Mediterranean help this sun-soaked terroir achieve balance as well. Like many of the vignerons that we work with, Bruno believes that “great wines are made in the vineyard” and less in the cellars. He farms the land sustainably and keeps treatments to a minimum. Silica, clay, and limestone dominate the subsoil of Fontsainte’s vineyards. Many of their vines are older, especially the parcel known as La Demoiselle, which recently celebrated its hundredth year. Look for the highly affordable and supremely delicious Gris de Gris, a saignée rosé made from Grenache Gris—among the finest rosés on the planet.
• All of Fontsainte’s vineyards are situated within the Corbières Boutenac appellation, however only “Clos du Centurion” takes the appellation on the label; other cuvées take the Corbières appellation • Rigorous pruning along with green harvests keep yields low • Existing vines are pruned in gobelet; new vines are being trellised • Cuves are gravity-fed—a mix of temperature-controlled stainless steel and cement
