Chateau Fonsalade, "Grande Cuvee" Saint Chinian 2019

92 points Jeb Dunnuck
"A blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah, the 2019 Saint Chinian Grande Cuvée offers up a fruit-forward, pure, elegant profile carrying lots of framboise and kirsch-like fruits, notes of peppery herbs, leather, and loamy earth, medium to full body, and a great finish. This pure, balanced, character-filled Grenache is ideal for drinking over the coming 5-7 years or more."

Vinous Reverie Notes
Chateau Fonsalade, now belonging to the Barbe family, has been established since the 15th century. The first winegrowers, who came from around Saint Pons de Thomières, settled around the natural water source from which the name of the estate comes. Indeed, the water drawn from the source is exceptionally rich in sodium bicarbonate, which gives it a very slightly salty taste and its name "Funt Salada" in old Occitan. Over the years the name has gradually evolved into Fonsalade but the qualities of the water have remained: the sodium bicarbonate present in the water that we use for our viticulture work helps to fight naturally against downy and powdery mildew; it also repels many parasites. In the 17th century, thanks to the construction of the Canal du Midi and taking advantage of the economic development that accompanied it, the property developed with the construction of the house and the aging cellar in 1790. Tasting Notes: This cuvee comes from the parcel selection of estate's best old vines. On a basis of Grenache and Syrah, it is the most representative wine of the Chateau. With notes of black fruits, it is a wine rich in finesse. Gluttony rubs shoulders with power, all with surprising subtlety. A rib of beef will accompany it wonderfully. Unquestionably, a great wine of the Saint Chinian appellation.