Maison Galuval Les Cepages Locaux Caladoc

Nestled between Cairanne and Rasteau in the Provencale hinterland, Galuval covers 49 ha in various parcels that include some of the very best terroir around Mont Ventabren and some of the oldest vines in the region of local varietals, including Caradoc. The diversity of terroir and topography is used to its fullest advantage: marl, clay and the famous pebbles of the Rhône valley make for a broad pallet of cépages with which to work. Recently revamped as a winery, Galuval has a long pedigree of well-regarded wines. Emmanuel Couzi's philosophy is above all about fruit balance: exceptional winemaking leaves the fruit to do all the talking. Low intervention and perfect growing conditions combined with careful parcel selection and judicious ageing result in thoroughly modern wines that are true to the individual character of each year. these are wines that suit wine-lovers looking for discovery, varietal and terroir - nuance at affordable prices in the Rhone.

Caladoc,

The grapes are machine picked and destemmed immediately thanks to an on-board destemmer.

On arrival at the cellar the grapes go into cement fermentation vats. Thermo-regulation quickly slows the onset of alcoholic fermentation to enable gentle extractions. Regular, gentle immersion by pumping over is done manually every day during fermentation to encourage early stabilisation of colour and silkiness of tannins. Skin maceration can last for up to 3 weeks. the wine is then aged in concrete vats for 12 months to bring out the varietal characters of this grapes.

This wine puts the spotlight on the grape variety, which incarnates the character of the south, Caladoc. It is a relatively unknown variety from the south of France, a cross between Malbec and Grenache, with a strong flamboyant personality that reflects its terroir. Pure and juicy, with stunning fruit, Caladoc likes extremes. The principal distinguishing feature of this variety is its dense, almost black colour. It is also recognisable for its aromas of very ripe red fruit and a slight spiciness. In the mouth it is concentrated and very fruit forward with a superb tannic structure. This wine offers the very best that Caladoc has to give.

Serve as an apertif to accompany caramelized cherry tomatoes, or to accompany barbecued meat with onion sauce.