Domaine Gramenon Cotes du Rhone Poignee de Raisins 2020

Domaine Gramenon sits at 350 metres in Montbrison-sur-Lez at the northern tip of the Southern Rhône — a position of altitude that gives the estate a freshness and precision that few of its neighbours can match. The domaine does not merely champion organic farming but incorporates sustainability into daily life, growing its own food and raising its own animals — and takes gutsy risks by bottling old-vine fruit with so little sulphur, without fining or filtration, in order to highlight the freshness, purity, and intoxicating aromas of their small, rare production. Poignée de Raisins — "a handful of grapes" — is the entry point into this world: young Grenache vines of four to thirty years old grown on ancient sandstone and shell-sandy soils, remnants of a maritime coastline from twelve million years ago, harvested by hand, partially destemmed, macerated for fifteen days in concrete vats, and fermented with natural yeasts. 

What emerges is one of the Southern Rhône's most disarming bottles — a wine that refuses to behave like a Côtes du Rhône is supposed to. Vibrant and open aromas, medium body and good concentration from Grenache grown at altitude give it a energy and lift that the flat, sun-baked vineyards of the south rarely achieve. The nose is lively — ripe red cherries, wild strawberries and fresh raspberries underscored by delicate floral tones and a whisper of garrigue — the palate fresh and medium-bodied with bright acidity framing juicy red fruit and a subtle earthiness, finishing smooth and energetic.