Domaine Lafage, Côté Sud, Côtes Catalanes

Bottle notes

This fruity Roussillon red offers pure, lively notes of blackberries, currants, garrigue, pepper and assorted spices combined with juicy and crunchy fruit.

Producer Note

Domaine Lafage is situated between Perpignan and the Spanish border in Côtes Catalanes, Roussillon, and has been run by Jean-Marc and Eliane Lafage since 2001. Together, they travelled the world, spending many a season harvesting grapes and making wine in South America, the United States (California), South Africa and Germany before settling back in the Roussillon. Domaine Lafage, which has a winemaking history dating back to 1798, prides itself on producing fine and elegant wines from the mosaic of vineyards in the dry, windy and rugged landscape. For over a decade, the Roussillon region has been grappling with the full force of climate change. Domaine Lafage has been transforming its viticultural practices and laying the groundwork to be able to face climatic challenges the future may bring. They place great emphasis on sustainability, and climate resistance in the form of regenerative agriculture and water monitoring. Harvesting also takes place earlier to retain natural freshness, which is translated in the elegance of their wines.

Vineyard

This wine is made from a blend of three terroirs with an average yield of 35 hl/ha. The Syrah vines are 30 years old, and the Grenache 50 and the vines are planted south/north , hence the name ‘Côté Sud’ . This exposure gives a better phenolic maturity which contributes riper fruit together with rounder and softer tannins.

Winemaking

The Syrah is harvested mid-September and the Grenache at the beginning of October with separate vinifications for each variety. The Grenache is fermented in open vats with pigeage to extract colour and flavour. Part of the Syrah is fermented by carbonic maceration to give freshness.

Tasting Note

The Côtes Catalanes Côté Sud offers pure, lively notes of blackberries, currants, garrigue, pepper and assorted spices to go with a medium to full-bodied, layered palate-feel.

Details

Winemaker: Jean Marc Lafage

Region: Roussillon

Sub region: Côtes Catalanes

Country: France

Grape: Grenache Noir 70%, Syrah 30%

Alcohol: 14.5% VOL

Contains Sulphites: Yes

Vegetarian: Yes

Vegan: Yes

Volume: 75cl

Closure: Screwcap