In the past four generations, the Roussillon wine region in South West France has captured the attention of some of France's most recognizable and respected wine personalities: Michel Chapoutier, Bernard Magrez, Jean-Luc Thunevin, etc.

 

Jean-Luc Thunevin, Saint Emilion’s “Bad Boy,” has teamed up with Jean-Roger Calvet to create one of the most respected wineries in the Roussillon. Some of the oldest vines Carignan and Grenache in the Roussillon belong to the Calvet family, which has been making wine in the region for ten generations. The 2008 “Les Dentelles” Côtes du Roussillon Villages is the second offering  from Domaine Thunevin-Calvet now available at ABC Fine Wine & Spirits.

 

“Les Dentelles” Côtes du Roussillon Villages is a blend of 50% grenache and 50% carignan from 40 to over 100-years-old vines with extremely low yields of 20 hls/ha. The 2008 “Les Dentelles” ages in demi-muids and new barrels of 300 liters for 16-18 months before being bottled without filtration nor fining. The wine exhibits saturated dark ruby color and aromas and flavors of black cherries, currant, blueberries, spice and mocha. Full-bodied, with dense but silky tannins, solid mineral core and good freshness, this 2008 could be enjoyed now or cellared over the next ten years. Serve with roasted red meats, stews and game.

 

The 2008 “Les Dentelles” Côtes du Roussillon Villages is priced at $29.99; it received 92 points score from Wine Advocate. Some very limited quantities of the 2010 Cuvée Constance, Côtes du Roussillon Villages are also still available in select ABC stores.

 

The 2010 Cuvee Constance, a blend of 50% grenache and 50% syrah, was aged in cement tanks to preserve the freshness of the fruit and exhibits aromas and flavors of black cherries, blueberries and currant. The wine is medium-bodied with round mouthfeel, silky tannins and long-lasting finish. Priced at only $14.99, the 2010 Cuvee Constance received 90-91+ points from Wine Advocate, which makes it one of the best values currently available.

 

More wines to become available in the future from Domaine Thunevin-Calvet, including a dessert Maury.

 

Atanas Nechkov, ABC Fine Wine & Spirits Wine Supervisor

Follow him on Twitter @abcwineatanas