2019-C Domaine d'Ourea 'Tire Bouchon' Vaucluse IGP, France (750ml)   

About the Icons
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Domaine d'Ouréa was established in 2009 by Adrien Roustan, who took over the domaine from his grandfather, Raymond Bertrand. The estate takes its name from Adrien's highest parcel of Gigondas in the lieu-dit of Le Grand Montmirail; “In Greek mythology, Gaia, the Mother Earth gives birth to several children, one of whom she calls “Ouréa,” the God of the Mountains.” The domaine is spread across 18 hectares, with the winery itself situated in Vacqueyras AOC, just in front of Mont Ventoux and the Dentelles de Montmirail. The vineyard boasts old-vine Grenache plantings that are between 50 - 70-years-old. The holdings are split between Vacqueyras (10 ha), Gigondas (4.5 ha) and four parcels in Vaucluse, located next to the Ouvèze river which go into the ‘Tire Bouchon’.

In his first year, Adrien converted the vineyards to organic farming, obtaining certification in 2012. In 2020, he decided to take it one step further—today, the vineyards are farmed biodynamically. The vine pruning, paling, planting and ploughing—everything—is done by hand. The 2019 ‘Tire Bouchon’ rouge is a blend of 25% Grenache, 25% Cinsault, 20% Carignan, 10% Œillade, 10% Counoise and 10% Aramon. The grapes were harvested by hand and fermented whole cluster. After a short maceration, the wine was aged in vats for 6 months and bottled early to preserve the wine’s natural freshness.

Beautiful garnet robe. The nose is richly perfumed, exuding ripe black and red fruits. The palate is sappy and fresh, bursting with loads of brambly berry fruit and a touch of scorched earth, supported by a graceful, acid backbone. The finish is long and bright, with a velvety mouthfeel. Dangerously delicious, enjoy this juicy red with a slight chill.

*Originally from the south of France, œillade is completely distinct from Cinsault, with which it is sometimes confused. The first mention of the œillade grape was in 1544 by the French author Bonaventure des Périers. Historically grown throughout the Languedoc and Provence, it is now close to extinction, due in large part to the phylloxera epidemic of the late 19th and World Wars of the 20th century.