Domaine des Maravilhas
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I grew up just minutes from Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and it was one of my grandfather Joseph's favourite wines 👴🏻. Seeing that heavy, imposing bottle with the papal coat of arms takes me straight back to the moment I first tasted this powerful, deep wine. Though, let's be honest, usually overwhelming in alcohol. When I launched Cocorico, I had convinced myself I would never import wines from this region, all of them clocking in at indigestible alcohol levels, 15% or more. But that was before I discovered, thanks to Serge from Agarrus, this Châteauneuf-du-Pape that comes in at just 13.5%! 🔥
But how is that even possible? Espirito, like all the wines from the domaine, comes from the northern part of the appellation, its coolest area. The vines are also shielded from the sun by surrounding forests, which provide shade throughout the day. They also grow on sandy soils, which typically yield finer, more tensile wines. And then, things get really interesting: Espirito is 100% Syrah. Unique in an appellation that allows no fewer than 18 grape varieties 👀. Syrah produces less sugar, which means it naturally produces less alcohol.
The result is a wine of real character, supple, pure, yet with powerful curves. Within that dense, complete texture, you find notes of fig, cherry liqueur, thyme, incense, cardamom, and even truffle. With some air, the wine opens up further, revealing even greater depth and precision. The tannins soften, and the fruit and spice come together beautifully. Espirito made me fall back in love with my home region, the wines of which I had long since turned my back on ❤️
Region: Southern Rhône Valley
Grape: 100% Syrah
Alcohol: 13.5%
Total SO2: 30 mg/L
Service: 18°C
Tech facts:
45 years old vines nestled between two forests. Yield is 35 hl/ha. Typical CdP soils composed of pebbles, clay limestone and silicium. Manual harvest . Whole bunches on all reds. The spontaneous alcoholic fermentation occurs in a concrete vats and demi-muids. After 12 days wine is transferred to tronconique barriques for 24 months. Unfined and unfiltered. organic & Biodynamic (Biodivin) certified.
