Tetu Grenache 2015
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Robert
Parker
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Winemaker Notes
Têtu was born of a shared devotion to Maury’s old-vine Grenache and is a collaboration between Richard Case and American distributer Kimberly Jones. Working alongside local growers they were able to select from the area's finest vineyards. Vines of over 60 years of age cling low to the poorest of black schist soils naturally producing very low yields. The resulting wines display all the depth, minerality and black fruit that typify this small but very special place.
The Catalan donkey or Ruc Catalá is on the label to reminds one of the stubborn, determined old vines that persevere in these toughest of soils and harshest of climates - delivering wines of unique style and expression.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Made by Richard Case, who's the genius behind the Department 66 wines, the 2015 Cotes Catalanes Tetu is close to 100% Grenache and from a top selection of vineyards owned by the co-op in Maury. There's roughly 7,000 cases of this beauty and it offers loads of sweet red fruits, (strawberries, cherries), pepper, iris and exotic spices in a medium to full-bodied, supple and sexy style that's about as drinkable as they come. Count me as a fan and it's a terrific value
Other Vintages
2013-
Robert
Parker
Grenache thrives in any warm, Mediterranean climate where ample sunlight allows its clusters to achieve full phenolic ripeness. While Grenache's birthplace is Spain (there called Garnacha), today it is more recognized as the key player in the red blends of the Southern Rhône, namely Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Côtes du Rhône and its villages. Somm Secret—The Italian island of Sardinia produces bold, rustic, single varietal Grenache (there called Cannonau). California, Washington and Australia have achieved found success with Grenache, both flying solo and in blends.
A sunny land braced by the influence of the Mediterranean Sea, the South of France extends from the French Riviera in the East to the rugged and mountainous Spanish border in the West. This expansive and stunning region remains the source of France's finest rosé and fortified wines, while the red and white wines continue to gain respect.
Provence, located farthest east, is revered for dry, elegant and quenching rosé wines, which make up the vast majority of the region’s production. These are typically blends of Mourvèdre, Grenache, Cinsault, Tibouren and other varieties.
Moving west from the Rhône Valley, spanning the Mediterranean coast to the Pyrenees mountains of Roussillon, Languedoc’s terrain is generally flat coastal plains. Virtually every style of wine is made in Languedoc; most dry wines are blends with varietal choice strongly influenced by the neighboring Rhône Valley.
Bordered by the rugged eastern edge of the Pyrenees Mountains and intense sunshine, Roussillon is largely defined by Spanish influence. The arid, exposed, steep and uneven valleys of the Pyrénées-Orientales zone guarantee that grape yields are low and berries are small and concentrated. While historically recognized for the vins doux naturels of Rivesaltes, Banyuls and Maury, the region’s dry reds are beginning to achieve the notoriety the deserve.
A catchall term for the area surrounding the Languedoc and Roussillon, Pays d’Oc is the most important IGP (Indication Géographique Protégée) in France, producing nearly all of France’s wine under the IGP designation.