2021 Domaine Lafage Nicolas vieilles vignes

The Grenache grapes for the Cuvée Nicolas come from a hot yet very captivating terroir from Roussillon. The location of the vineyard at the foot of the Pyrenees at an altitude of 400 meters evokes spontaneous associations of a cooler microclimate. What is often overlooked, however, is the possible influence of wind currents. The strong Tramontane wind, a variant in the Roussillon of the better known Mistral, pushes masses of warm air from the flatter parts to this spot in summer, where it can get very pleasantly hot. This zone 'Les Aspres' (dry in Catalan) is dry and not very fertile. But 'warm and poor' terroirs do not bother Grenache. The grenache vines are over 65 years old and are deeply rooted after decades of hard work. This, in combination with a deliberately low yield of 18 hl/ha, ensures a taste intensity that you will not soon forget, especially with such a mild price.

Vinification: Green harvest in spring; harvest is brought in by hand in crates in which 20 kg of grapes can be placed; 7-day pre-fermentation cold skin maceration; bruise of the grapes; the must is fermented in open stainless steel vats with regular pigeage (dipping the 'hat'); the maceration lasted 22 days; 10 months aging/aging in stainless steel barrels (80% of the wine) and in barriques bourguignonnes (20% of the wine).

The wine has a dark purple color with black cherries, something of plums and candied figs. Firm taste with ripened fruit and a typical southern French spiciness, with something of chocolate. Mouth-filling with a long finish. This beautiful wine from Domaine Lafage regularly receives very high ratings from international wine critics, which is unique for a wine in this price range.

Jean-Marie Lafage is a descendant of a family of winegrowers and Oenology was therefore the logical choice to study. During his education he met Eliane and the love for wine grew into ... a marriage and shared wine experiences on all wine continents (South Africa, California, Chile, Australia). The urge to own a domain takes shape when Jean-Marie takes over the family domain.

The Lafage domain extends over 200h, of which 138h are planted. Between the vineyards you can enjoy the spectacular foothills of the Pyrenees. Nestled between "mar imuntanya" this produces beautiful summer wines. The plots are located both at sea level and at an altitude of 400m. Both are exposed to very hot summers, harsh winters and have to withstand a very poor “marbro-schisteux” soil. The infamous Tramontane wind provides the necessary cooling. The productivity of the terroir is deliberately kept low (15 to 25 hl/ha). At 400m above sea level, anchored in a schist-marble soil , these plots provide a perfect place to mature for the Carignan, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Marsanne and Muscat grape.