Wine Name/Vineyard: Domaine Saint Roch 2009 “FITOU”

Wine Category: Red Blend

Grape blend: 50% Grenache, 30% Carignon, 20% Syrah

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Languedoc-Roussillon

State or country: France

Price: $20

ABV: 13.5%

Cases produced: N/A

The Barrel Cellar Score:  86 points

Review date: May 05, 2019

About the Winemaker:  Domaine Saint Roch is owned and run by the Bardon family.  The Approximately 40 Hectares of vines are located on the slopes consisting of “gunflint,” which creates unique character in the wines that are representative of the Loire Valley where the winery is located.  Domaine Saint Roch wines, made by winemaker Denis Bardon, are typical of many French wines; balanced with reserved tannins and acidity.

Color:  Plum

Nose:  Raisins, dried figs

Taste:  Black olive, strawberries, ripe plum, eucalyptus, dried herbs

Assessment:  This wine is medium to full bodied and silky smooth.  I would typically expect that a fuller bodied wine like this would be a bit more fruit forward.  In this case, much of the body comes from the Syrah while the more typical reserved “old – world French” style and flavor come from the other grapes in the blend.  The oak tannins are very reserved (aged 8 months in French oak), the tannic presence is in good balance with the acidity.  The eucalyptus notes add character that suits it.

At $20 a bottle this was a good value.  I recommend Domaine Saint Roch wines to you as this winery continues to put out good wines at a good value.  You will have to try out one of their other releases as I have found they have not released the “Fitou” blend since 2014. You can view these wines here. This wine is ready to drink now.

Pairing recommendation:  Pair with a soft brie (with or without apricot preserves) or a lean steak.

Domaine Saint Roch 2009 “Fitou” is a good wine.  86 points

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