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 Here is an estate you must absolutely visit if you happen to be in the vicinity. Firstly, because of the winemakers, secondly because of the site, and finally because of the wines: all three are atypical and worth discovering!
It's on this enchanting site of St Maurice/Eygues, where vines have been grown for a very long time, that Alain Viret the father and Philippe Viret the son brilliantly cultivate this estate. These two keen winemakers have long understood the importance of biodynamic principles and applied them to their estate. And their commitment takes it a step further since the Virets follow the precepts of Cosmoculture on their estate: this is a brand that has been patented by them and that refers to ancient Inca and Maya practice based on cosmic and telluric energy circulation patterns. «On the fields, on designated spots, bollards are implanted that serve to accumulate cosmic energy, thus improving the intimate relationship between sky and earth, so as to recreate an environment where the wine gets back all its natural protection.» A bit like acupuncture for man.
In 1999, with this philosophy in mind, Alain and Philippe Viret have built a small and stunning « Cave Cathédrale », around a natural spring, located on the estate, which is made to flow on a pure quartz crystal in order to get the best possible energies. «We consider wine to be a live product that follows the natural cycles and influences. We have built this cellar in the continuity of our work philosophy of winemaking so the wine benefits from optimal conditions.» The cellar was built with the principle of the golden mean which the builders of the Egyptian pyramids used, with stone blocks 3 to 6 tons coming from the same quarry as those used for the Pont du Gard.
With this cultivation background, Alain et Philippe Viret offer a wide range of wines, mainly reds, that are all very authentic. Here artificial products are banned, usage of sulphur is null or infinitesimal in difficult vintages, maturation in new wood is prohibited... all this results in wines with a strong personality, generous, rich, often nearing 15% alcohol content, but always retaining a fresh final note which is the signature of a perfect wine in the Valley of Rhône.
Without a second thought, head directly to the Viret Estate. Alain and Philippe are real enthusiasts who will be very happy to have you share their approach of Cosmoculture, while making you taste their wonderful vintage wines. And make it a point to make them tell you about their Roman amphora vintage.. but shhh, it's a secret!
The estate offers a dozen vintage wines all very different from one another. Here are four that we have selected for their quality:
- Solstice soft blanc: A wine composed of 1/3 of Roussanne and for 2/3 of Viognier and that can boast 20 g of residual sugar for an overall sweetness. Smells of white flowers, pears, peaches. A perfect wine for the summer time, as an aperitif for instance. (app. 6 Euros)
- Energie Yang: This vintage is mostly composed of vines from the Valley of Rhône: Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdres. Beautiful aromas of blackcurrant, cherries preserve, plums and a hint of underwood. Rather concentrated in the mouth, with the presence of rather soft tannins. Nice fresh final note. Goes well with grilled lamb chops. (app. 8.50 Euros)
- Les Colonnade 2005: made from the oldest hundred-year-old vines of Grenache in combination with old Mourvèdres and Carignans. Les Colonnades 2005 has strong aromas of strawberries, pepper, black olive and Herbes de Provence. It is a rich, opulent wine with well blended tannins and a real freshness. A wine full of elegance where you can find in the weft traces of minerals. (app. 15 Euros)
- Emergence 2004: made from Grenache, Carignans and the oldest Syrah vines on the estate. Complex, intense aromas. You can find aromas of blackcurrant, mulberry, liquorice and leather. This wine has a very harmonious taste, with very fine tannins that make for a wine that keeps well. It has body, is smooth and still has this nice freshness in the final note, which is the signature of the wines of this estate. Combines well with a rosemary hare. (app. 17 Euros).
Photo: The « Cathédrale » on the Viret estate.
Domaine Viret - 26 110 Saint Maurice/Eygues. Tél : + 33(0)475 276 277
http://www.domaine-viret.com/
by Laurent Turrel, © www.nuncbibendum.com 2008
To know more about Drôme, click here
To see the Drôme in pictures, click here
Our selection: the Viret estate in St Maurice
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