Wine club - July 2017
Prestige Cotes du Rhone – Domaine du Jas (2015)
Grape Variety(s): Grenache, Syrah Style: Dry Red
Region: Cotes du Rhone, France
Winemaker: Pierre Pradelle Soil: Granite, Clay
Age of Vines: 20 yrs
Domaine du Jas is located between the Château de Grignan, made famous by Madame de Sévigné and the Castle of Suze la Rousse of the 11th century. The estate has been in the Pradelle family since 1874. It was in 1978 that Raphael Pradelle vinified for the first time his own wine. Soon his sons joined him and Hubert Pradelle began his wine- making business. Like his father before him, he takes care of his vineyard according to the precepts of organic farming and harvesting everything by hand. Effectively respecting nature and passion for wine are the two fundamental principles of his work. Thus, it opts for the AB certification (Organic Farming) in 2001. Today, the Domaine du Jas still has its family and authentic character: Hubert works with his wife Anne-Marie and their eldest son Pierre. In turn, Pierre Pradelle brings his own sensitivity to vine and wine by opening up to Biodynamics. This new approach is based on "the valorization of the soil and the plant in its natural environment thanks to preparations derived from vegetable, animal and mineral materials applied at specific times". The commitment of Pierre and Hubert Pradelle to Biodynamics is explained by successful experiments in practice. Concretely this results in homemade preparations (nettle purine, silica ...) and the respect of the biodynamic calendar to carry out the main works of the vine and the wine. This is a step towards respect for the consumer and the environment.
The blend of Syrah and Grenache offers this wine a complexity of red and black fruits. Fine tannins can be seen in the warmth of the heat, which will melt in the first two years. This wine will evolve towards an animal nose and spices (gray pepper in particular).
Pecorino – Agricola Cirelli (2015)
Grape Variety(s): Pecorino Style: Dry White
Region: Abruzzo, Italy
Winemaker: Francesco Cirelli Soil: Clay and Calcium
Agricola Cirelli is an organic farm certified by IMC, surrounded by 23 hectares of land. All of its production is designed to respect the natural cycles of the olive trees, vineyards, horticultural crops and the animal breeding. Crop rotation, natural fertilization, and free range animal grazing are Agricola Cirelli’s “techniques” of production. This harmonious environment creates olive oil, wine, vegetables, fruit and meats of supreme quality.
The farm grows its food and wine in total respect of organic agriculture. Nature sets the rules and it dictates the rhythm of every activity. The animals’ interaction with the land offer natural grazing and fertilization of the vines, which means there is no need to use harmful chemical substances.
Francesco purchased the land in 2003 right after his graduation in Economics at a prestigious European university. Before this, he was a student at the Italian Navy College. He decided to dedicate himself to organic agriculture because of the profound values of working the land (“Right after God the farmer comes next” he was told once). He is now helped out by his fiancée, Michela.
His 2015 Pecorino is 100% Pecorino, a native grape to the area characterized by higher acidity and as you would expect, a lovely pairing with Pecorino Romano cheese! It is aged in Stainless steel and will suit you remarkably well on a hot summer day!