A rather curious man with a love for a rather curious grape… Winemaker John Bojanowski of Clos du Gravillas, Languedoc, France.
Whilst it may appear to the peripheral observer that Languedoc is awash in a sea of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, I can assure you that it is now possible to find superb quality splashes of that old “workhorse” grape, Carignan.
In my book this much-overlooked (and much-bashed) varietal has always raised a vinous smile, particularly when I have had the opportunity to enjoy a truly great single varietal example, i.e. one where the grapes have been grown in the appropriate spots and the Winemaker knows exactly how to treat this grape in the cellar.
Enter John Bojanowski, Winemaker at Clos du Gravillas, a man with a true passion for a varietal that is garnering a healthy following amongst the wine cognoscenti. No mere follower of fashion, John has for quite some time believed that some of the finest expressions of Carignan come from certain sites in the Languedoc.
Well done that man!
If you are having trouble viewing this video please click here.
Edinburgh-born/Toronto-based Sommelier, consultant, writer, judge, and educator Jamie Drummond is the Director of Programs/Editor of Good Food Revolution… And he’s rather chuffed that Carignan is getting the recognition it deserves.
Thanks Jamie! Here’s one of the links which can get people more info on our grape (and our celebration of international carignan day last monday…) !
https://www.facebook.com/carignanrenaissance?pnref=story