Castel Viel Rouge AOP Faugères 2017 (0.75l)

The Castel Viel comes from the winery's best, old vines, blending Carignan (40%), Grenache (30%), Mourvèdre (20%), and Syrah (10%). Six weeks of maceration, followed by 24 months in oak. A dense, profound, fleshy, and spicy nose with a black fruit core, underpinned by licorice and cocoa—it practically leaps from the glass! A totally generous, soft, and full bouquet, yet totally captivating in its dark fruit spiciness. A juicy attack, immediately accompanied by present, yet very fine tannins. Tons of dark chocolate emerge, not at all sweet, but astringent and fresh; everything is coated in this incredible cocoa. Plus, concentrated black fruit, blackberry in late summer. This continues into the finish: black fruit, always with a fresh pull and present acidity, along with those intense notes of cocoa and a dark, all-encompassing spice. A powerful, lively wine with deep notes and a profound, southern French character. It's fully present and ready to drink now, but also has potential for another 10 years. A wonderful accompaniment to a Daube Provençale and similarly hearty, southern French cuisine with power and spice.