Calmel & Joseph Terrasses Du Larzac

Founded in 1995, Calmel & Joseph is a maison de negoce specializing in Languedoc-Roussillon wines from private wineries from across the region. Over the years, they have built close personal relationships with a large number of growers from all appellations. Convinced of the extraordinary potential of this region, oenologist, Laurent Calmel, and Jerome Joseph work together on the vinification, blending and ageing of wines with the common purpose of demonstrating the little known yet unique quality of these Mediterranean terroirs. As well as their desire to produce high quality wines consistent with their terroirs, they are committed to making wines which reflect their convictions and experience.

Vineyards

Clay limestone with cryoclastic limestone gravel within a deep sandy clay soil.

Vinification

Traditional process in vats. Punching down early in the fermentation process, then daily, light mouillage (soaking) of the cap is carried out towards the end of the 15-day period in vat. Malolactic fermentation takes place in barrels. 12 months in oak barrels (40 % new wood, 40 % barrels used for one vintage, 20% barrels used for two vintages)

Tasting Notes

A lovely ruby red hue. Highly opulent nose with notes of red and black berry fruit such as redcurrant, blackcurrant and elderberry. The attack is elegant, frank, with a strongly red fruit middle palate and complex notes of aniseed, peppermint and eucalyptus for a wine with lots of character. The oaky notes of this vintage are finely honed and the tannins are already well integrated. An atypical Terrasses du Larzac in the continuity of the style of previous vintages.

Mourvedre, Syrah, Grenache

Clay limestone with cryoclastic limestone gravel within a deep sandy clay soil.

Mourvèdre 50%, Syrah 25%, Grenache 25%.

Traditional vinification in concrete vats. The grapes are destemmed but not crushed. Punching down at the beginning of fermentation then light moistening of the cap daily. Fermentation for 15 days at a controlled temperature of 25°C.

Aged in barrel (20 % new, 40 % barrels one wine old and 40% barrels two wines old) for six months.

Pale ruby red with a distinctive nose that is attributable to the complexity of the parcel selection applied to this wine. With black fruit such as blueberry, blackcurrant, and elderberry, evolving to white flowers, eucalyptus, and vanilla, it is also reminiscent of candied fruit cake. The palate opens cleanly and smoothly with fine, persistent tannins. We find the same black fruit, notably blackcurrant, followed by notes more evocative of the Mediterranean, such as black olive, dill, white pepper, peppermint, and liquorice sticks. The Mourvedre brings its inimitable character to the blend to create a unique wine. This is a magnificent vintage with great ageing potential.