ABOUT: Domaine Vinci makes wine from isolated, high altitude hillside vineyards in the Roussillon region of France. The domaine was established in 2001 by Olivier Varichon and Emanuelle Vinci and the scrubby garrigue of the Agly Valley and organic certification should clue you in on what to expect. They let it all go, there is no attempt to control the flora and fauna and they only plough once a year in winter. Wild boar and deer however are not welcome, and their plots are fenced to keep the cute critters out. Everything in the vineyard is done by hand, there is no sulphur used during vinification, and they add just enough at bottling to give the wine a long life. The Roc was our first foray into Domaine Vinci, now it’s time for Rafalot (100% Carignan). Vinci wines are stunning. TASTE: This wine is described as being made from “old vine Carignan”, which is an understatement, try 130+ year old Carignan vines. Rafalot is the name of the little valley where these old vines grow, and once brought into the winery it’s all straight forward winemaking. What comes out is a stunner, aromas and flavors of raspberries, blackberries, orange peel and curd, strawberries, black pepper, damp potting soil and baking spices. Dry with grippy tannins and medium+ acidity, long finish and high complexity. A ruddy, earthy brew that will delightfully develop for decades to come. PAIR: Manchego and tomato grilled cheese, roasted soy-glazed potatoes, artichoke gratin, roasted butternut squash risotto, French onion strata, mushroom duxelle omelette with spinach, and grilled bell pepper and zucchini fajitas.
