Cinsault Takes Centre Stage
The Rhône Valley is a region known for red wines – Côtes du Rhône, Gigondas, Châteauneuf-du-Pape – all made from blends of primarily Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre, often with additions of lesser-known regional grapes like Carignan, Counoise and Cinsault. Single varietal wines are a rarity, and if they do exist it is usually the bigger players, Grenache and Syrah, that take the starring roles. Until now.
In 2020, the Chaudière family, the pioneering winemakers creating outstanding Rhône blends in the Ventoux region, decided to produce a single varietal Cinsault wine. Bottled under their Le Paradou label, the wine showcases Cinsault’s special character, elevating a grape that has long been a supporting actor in the wine world. Described as “true to its Provençal terroir”, Cinsault produces light and elegant wines, more akin to Pinot Noir than the usual high-alcohol, sumptuous reds of the Rhône, and wines that are instantly approachable and highly versatile.
Made from 100% Cinsault, sourced from vines grown at an altitude between 200 and 300 metres, the wine reflects its microclimate of cool, fresh nights and hot, sunny days with vivid, summery fruit and refreshing, balanced acidity. Le Paradou are Provençal style wines, meant to be enjoyed young. The understated approach to winemaking – gentle fermentation and aging in concrete – allows the varietal characteristics of bright fruit, floral and spice to shine through and the natural elegance of this grape to be perfectly expressed. From one of the most respected producers in the region, Le Paradou Cinsault is unique in the landscape of Rhône red wines and definitely a new star on the wine stage.
Le Paradou 2020 Cinsault, France
Retail: $18.95 / btl
Click HERE to order!
The Wine
Le Paradou 2020 Cinsault, France
On the nose there are fresh red berries: raspberries and red currants. The palate is supple, refreshing and balanced, delivering red cherry, floral notes (roses and white flowers) as well as hints of spice. Smooth and easy-drinking, this is a versatile food-pairing wine that will be a great match for Southern French and Mediterranean cuisine including black olives, sheep’s milk cheese, ratatouille, grilled sausage and roasted garlic.
Click HERE to order!
About The Chaudière Family
In the early 1970s, the Chaudière family chose the exceptional site of Château Pesquié, situated in Mormoiron at the foot of Mont Ventoux, to make their wines. As well as the great beauty of the site, the family was attracted by this crossroads of altitudes, geological diversity and cool micro-climate.
Towards the end of the ’80s the second generation Edith and Paul Chaudière began working the land according to reasoned agricultural practices and were one of the first vineyards in France to be certified by the FARRE network (Forum of Reasoned Agriculture Respecting the Environment). They laid down the foundations for organic winegrowing for the next generation, their sons Alexandre and Frédéric, who are now at the helm.
The remarkable complementarity between the two brothers is now a real catalyst for the family business. Together they have developed Le Paradou wines, with a goal to express a single varietal in its purest form. Freshness is a key element, even more so for southern wines than for others. In the vineyard biodynamic preparations and green fertilizers are used to ensure the balance and vitality. In the same vein, the Chaudière brothers prefer a light touch in the cellar, using gentle infusion rather than an overly-aggressive extraction and often aging in neutral concrete to achieve the purest expression of the grapes.
NEW! Order online at TheVineAgency.ca.
You can also email wine@thevineagency.ca or call 416.693.7994. We’d love to chat about wine with you!
