Domaine Galuval Le Coq Volant Cote Du Rhone Villages Rouge

Overlooking the Rhône Valley, the village of Cairanne has been cultivated for more than 2,000 years. Domaine Galuval pays tribute to this Roman heritage, its name combining Gallus (cockerel) and Uva (grape) to reflect a proud and enduring bond with the vine. Guided by an independent spirit, the estate rejects uniform styles to celebrate three distinct terroirs: the cooler clays of the Gayère Valley, the rocky slopes of Mount Ventabren, and the rolling hills of Rasteau. The result is a collection of innovative, nature-led wines that offer a bold, contemporary interpretation of the Rhône’s diverse landscapes.

Syrah, Grenache

Le Coq Volant Rouge is made from parcels in the Gayére Valley, which takes its name from the river that runs through it. It is renowned for the freshness of its marbled clay soils which make it an ideal terroir for fresh and elegant grape varieties. Situated to the south of the village of Cairanne, this terroir is made up of colluvions rich in moisture retaining silt, with few stones but occasional gravel and pebbles. The clay is marbled, with limestone nodules and abundant pseudo-mycelia, forming substrata that enable the vines to survive the summer heat thanks to the plentiful water supply to their roots.

On arrival at the cellar the bunches pass into a vibrating hopper and are then destemmed. Small, 100hL stainless steel, gravity fed vats enable vinification by parcel and by grape variety. Extractions are thermo-regulated and carefully controlled during fermentation. Gentle and regular immersion by punching down aids the extraction of colour and brings out the silkiness of the tannins. Skin maceration can last up to three weeks. The wine then undergoes short barrel ageing to enhance the aromas.

The Syrah and Grenache for this blend were characterised in this vintage by their measured maturity levels which gave a fresher, brighter, profile that the other wines from this year.

A deep red with purple gleams. The nose offers aromas of violet from the Syrah and red fruit from the Grenache, underpinned by the elegance conferred by oak ageing. In the mouth it is harmonious and fresh, with good length, in notes of black fruit, spices and with silky tannins.

This is a really slurpable red suitable for a wide variety of dishes from veggies to swine!