Domaine les Clapas is a small family winery located on twelve hectares in the southern Ardeche. The organic ancient vines are planted on the steep and stony slopes of the Vallée de I’Ibie. Winemaker Jérôme Jouret left the local co-op in ’06 and has only made a few vintages since setting out on his own, however, the results so far have been stunning. The cooler climate of the region combined with a high elevation means that the fruit has a longer hang time on the vines, this helps create wine with pronounced aromatics and fresh flavors. Jérôme is an outstanding winemaker and his Fesquier is a pleasure to drink.
Certification: Organic.
Fesquier VdP Ardèche: 2007
print Fesquier VdP Ardèche 2007 sheet
Age of Vines: 30-50 Years
Yields: 35 hl/ha
Pruning Method: Cordon
Soil: Steep slopes of clay with very little topsoil.
Varietals:100% Grenache.
Vinification Method: The vineyards are plowed by hand and have never seen chemicals. Yields are very low and the grapes are hand-harvested at their maximum ripeness, destemmed and gently pressed. The fruit is fermented in stainless steel and the wine rests in tanks before it is bottled without filtration.
Tasting Note: Nearly blue-black in the glass with a purple rim. Lovely scents of crushed blackberry, ripe cherry and orange flesh on the nose. The palate opens with loads of bright red and black fruit flavors followed by lovely minerality. The wine finishes with moderate tannins and vibrant acidity.
Pairing: Works well with picnic ham, grilled chicken and pork chops, veal, artisan sausages and hearty vegetarian fare.
Ivraie VdP Ardèche: 2008
Age of Vines: 30-50 Years
Yields: 35 hl/ha
Pruning Method: Cordon
Soil: Steep slopes of clay with very little topsoil.
Varietals: Ugni Blanc.
Vinification Method: The vineyards are plowed by hand & have never seen chemicals. Yields are very low & the grapes are hand-harvested at maximum ripeness, destemmed & gently pressed. The fruit is fermented in stainless steel & the wine rests in tanks before it is bottled without filtration.
Tasting Note: Extremely fresh, vibrant and well-balanced.
Pairing: By itself or with aged cheeses, Mexican or Thai food, or pasta dishes and salads.
[...] second course is a ragout of Niman beef short rib, with which I am pairing a Grenache from Domaine Les Clapas. Jérôme Jouret is a young vigneron who farms organically and does pretty much all of the work in [...]