Domaine Lou Frejau (Organic) – Southern Rhône

Situated near the famous Mont Ventoux, and close to the fabulous ancient city of Orange, lies the estate of Lou Frejau.

In 1982, Serge Chastan, a traditional man of the earth, founded Domaine Lou Fréjau (pronounced Lou Freyjao), which means “the round pebble.”  This name is drawn from the songs of Provence and inspired by the polished stones that riddle the soil of the vineyard.

Chastan’s wife, Christiane, joined him in 2003, and together they manage the wine making of the estate using traditional methods and their expansive knowledge of oenology, working with total respect of the region and environment.  Since 2010, Domaine Lou Fréjau has been an organic estate.

*Organic*

The Vines: 89% Grenanche, 8% Cinsault, 3% Syrah

The Soil: Sandy soil

Vinification: The vinification consists of an immediate pressing, vinification at low tempreature (17° – 18°).  In the cellar, the wine is poured into huge oak casks (30-50 hl), after which it is left to rest. At this point, the wine will mature, be refined, and bottled soon thereafter.

Tasting Notes: Powerful nose with scents of jams and berries with hints of brandy, leather, and spice.  On the palate, this wine is flexible with generous flavors and a thin, discreet, and dry finish.  Pairs well with sausages, black pudding, terrine, and pâté.

*Organic*

The Vines: The Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge is made up of 8 grape varietals from the appellation: Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Vaccarèse, Cinsault, Counoise, Terret, and Muscardin.

The Soil: Clay and limestone covered with pebbles

Vinification: The vinification is a traditional long fermentation lasting about 3 weeks.  In the cellar, it is poured in huge oak casks (30-50 hl) where the liquid enjoys a moment of rest.  It will mature for about 12 months on average, depending on the vintage.

Tasting Notes: Crimson with purple hues, bright and intense.  Complex floral and fruity nose supplemented by spicy notes, garrigue, and mineral.  It has a powerful and elegant framework, but remains generous and round in the mouth with beautiful aromas of red and black fruit.  The finish reveals all its qualities.  Very good aging potential.

*Organic*

Soil: Clay limestone with round pebbles

Harvest: Manual

Vinification: Long fermentation lasting about 3 weeks, first portion of aging takes place in oak barrels (50hl) for a few months, followed by 3 years in casks (400L) right up until bottling. The varietal blend is already decided in the plots, so that the complement of flavors is optimized during aging.

Grape Varietals: The 13 grape varieties of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation are: Grenache Blanche, Clairette, Bourboulenc, Roussane, Picardan for white grapes, Grenache Noir, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Cinsault, Vaccarèse, Counoise, Muscardin, and Terret for red grape varieties.

Tasting Notes: Very deep and brilliant reddish purple color. The nose is complex with notes of red fruit such as raspberries, blackberries, and cherries; after decanting, notes of toasted vanilla bean, cocoa, and tobacco arise. Honed by powerful tannins, it remains very well structured with the feel and finesse of the white grape varieties. The mineral element comes back on the finish. Intense aromatic persistence, round in the mouth and very generous; this wine is very well balanced. The finish reveals all its qualities …..this is a wine with a very high aging potential.

2012 Reviews: “Inky ruby. Powerful, spice-accented aromas of cherry compote, blueberry, licorice and minerals, with a strong overlay of candied flowers. Broad-shouldered but lively on the palate, offering sweet dark berry flavors complicated by exotic notes of candied flowers and fruitcake. The mineral element comes back on the youthfully tannic finish, which is broad, sweet and focused.”–92pts, Vinous