Fitou: Domaine des Rebouls 2018
A juicy, spicy blend of Carignan, Syrah and Grenache from the red wine only appellation of Fitou. It took us a while to find a Fitou we liked, and this one we love!
Why is it that, despite the fact that Fitou was the first Languedoc region to gain AOC recognition (in 1948), it has taken us (as a Languedoc specialist) many years to find one? Well, like next door neighbour Corbières, the 2,600 hectares of red-only Fitou is awash with mediocre (albeit cheap) wine, some of which is downright nasty. Most of the 300 farms supply the 3 large regional co-ops, so it takes a while to track down the very best independent winemakers who take the additional time and effort to produce great Languedoc reds with bags of character.
Such a man was Jean-Marc Astruc, whose family have farmed their vines around the village of Tuchan for several generations. Jean-Marc took the decision to part company with the co-op (let's just say it wasn't an amicable separation) and produce wine under his own name - Domaine des Rebouls. It's a cracker - a blend of Carignan, Grenache and Syrah replete with juicy red fruit and a hint of spice. As they say 'You pays your money and you takes your choice'.
(Note this wine is unfiltered to preserve its quality - ideally decant before serving).
Style | Red Wine, Sec, Medium-bodied, Non Sparkling |
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Wine Region | Languedoc, Fitou |
Grape Variety (Cépage) | Carignan, Grenache, Syrah |
Food & Wine Matching | Beef, Lamb, Mushrooms |
Viticulture | Non-Organic |
Vintage | 2018 |
Cellarage | This Fitou wine will be best enjoyed within 7 years of vintage. Decant before serving. |
Vinification | Grapes are only picked when they are totally ripe. As harvest approaches, Jean-Marc will taste the grapes every day waiting for the moment when they are ready to pick. They are then destemmed and lightly crushed before fermentation takes place is small stainless steel tanks. The juice is pumped over the skins twice daily for 2 weeks and then gently pressed. The wine is released 9 months after the harvest in accordance with Fitou appellation rules. |
Alcohol By Volume (%) | 14 |
Domaine des Rebouls
Jean Marc Astruc's family have been growing grapes for generations in the small village of Tuchan in the Languedoc. Jean Marc is the first in the family to have taken his vineyards out of the local Cooperative and to set up his own private domaine - Domaine des Rebouls. Fitou has always been a firm favourite of Jean Marc and in particular because it is the perfect match to his mum's delicious wild boar stew.
We were saddened to learn that Jean-Marc Astruc had passed away this September. Our thoughts are with his family.
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Fitou Domaine des Rebouls - Yapp Brothers One Minute Review
Jason Yapp reviews the Fitou from Domaine des Rebouls. It's a cracker – a juicy, spicy blend of Carignan, Syrah and Grenache.
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