Domaine Le Roc Des Anges : Isabal 2023

Characteristics and tasting notes for Domaine Le Roc des Anges "Isabal" 2023

Tasting

Colour
The colour reveals a deep ruby red hue with garnet reflections. It stands out for its clarity and brightness, offering a tender, delicate appearance in the glass.

Nose
Particularly expressive and remarkably fresh, the bouquet opens with vibrant aromas of red and black fruits, such as crushed strawberry and blackcurrant. With aeration, it reveals fine complexity through floral notes, touches of fresh herbs and garrigue, along with a minerality reminiscent of gunflint.

Palate
From the very first sip, the wine shows juiciness and vitality. The mid-palate seduces with its fine, silky tannic structure, perfectly integrated. Carried by a lovely structuring acidity, the whole offers a remarkable balance between an airy texture and beautiful depth. The finish is persistent and clean, marked by an elegant mineral imprint.

Food and wine pairing

This red wine pairs wonderfully with feathered game such as roast partridge or jugged hare. It will also enhance grilled red meats such as a rib steak or honey-glazed duck, as well as Mediterranean-inspired dishes flavoured with thyme or rosemary. Dishes based on dried mushrooms or truffles, as well as a platter of fine cured meats, will also make excellent pairings.

Service and storage

To release its full aromatic complexity and separate it from any natural sediment, it is advisable to decant this wine before serving. Built for ageing, it can be kept in the cellar for at least 10 years, and will continue to evolve favourably until around 2038, provided it is stored lying down in a cool place away from light.

The pure expression of a schist terroir in Roussillon

The estate

Founded in 2001 by Marjorie Gallet, Domaine Le Roc des Anges is a key reference in Roussillon, in the south of France. Located in Latour-de-France, this vineyard of around 50 hectares takes its name from a vein of white quartz emerging amid black schist. Farmed biodynamically, the estate stands out for its natural approach and absolute respect for the terroir. In late 2023, Thibault Ponthier became the estate's current owner, marking a new chapter while continuing the philosophy of excellence established by the founders.

The vineyard

Classified as IGP Côtes Catalanes, this wine comes from a historic plot located on the Catalan-named site "Trabassères", in the village of Montner. Nestled on the northern slope of the Força Réal mountain, these very old vines, planted in 1913, thrive on shallow soils of ancient schist and decomposed granite, rich in silica and iron. Farmed organically and biodynamically without irrigation, this exceptional terroir benefits from cool nights and naturally produces very low yields, favouring a remarkable concentration in the berries.

The vintage

The year 2023 faithfully reflects the distinctive climatic conditions encountered in the region during this growing cycle. The vines were able to make the most of their northern exposure to cope with the typically Mediterranean summer heat, allowing the grapes to reach optimal physiological ripeness while preserving lovely natural acidity.

Winemaking and ageing

The creation of this cuvée is based on a philosophy of minimal intervention. After manual harvesting in small crates, the grapes are destemmed. Fermentation starts spontaneously thanks to indigenous yeasts in 35-hectolitre concrete tanks, with no temperature control, punching down or pumping over. After around seven days, the must is pressed and then returned to the tank to complete fermentation. Ageing then takes place for eight to nine months in large used wooden foudres, in order to preserve the brightness of the fruit without marking the wine with woody aromas.

Grape variety

100% Carignan.