All 2009 is in !

Our very last grapes harvested : Grenache on the rocks !

Dear Friends,

After 4 weeks of long days and and incredible weather (even some rains that were expected to finalize maturity), we have brought all our grapes to the cellar.

 

After the rosé break, we started the reds with the Syrah on 09/12 which were very mature. Right after the first fermentation, I could smell those beautiful banana ferment aromas. Then, we have continued with the Grenache-Mourvèdre block and finished with the Carignan. In the mid-harvest, some rains came and did not disturb at all the quality since the grapes were in perfect sanitary state It even permitted to contunue the maturation of the Grenache which suffered a bit from a hot summer, even if our deep rooted vines with low yield production are permit to avoid hydric stress.

 

In prevision of this great opportunity, I had kept a small homogeneous block of 65 yeras old Grenache planted "on the rocks" which has eventually given us the most beautiful juice we could have hoped. I then decided to vinify those grapes separately and create a very special "cuvée" that I won't probably do every year so I need to find a name for this.

 

Would you like to help me for this leaving your offering inside the comment box ?

 

To give you some working materials, I will declassify this wine into "Vin de Table" (the lowest level in the wine classification in France) as those grapes are "oficially" in Vin de Pays...and that, for me, those grapes would have their seat in the most prestigious Rhône "Crus". So using their regular "appellation" has no sense and I will rather declassif them to make them look special.

 

We have also harvested at Domaine du Banneret (my Uncle's vineyard in Châteauneuf du Pape) and there again, all was very beautiful. It actually reminded me the incredible 1989 harvest which was the first for Banneret and when my very first love story with wine started to drive me eventually here.

 

Here are many (no less than 17) videos of this memorable period :

http://sharing.theflip.com/session/6b94a1586362aec1da81291616e581fa/video/6399985

And a photo album should come later...

 

Our wines are now fermenting and if all goes well in the cellar, 2009 will certainly be one of the most phenomenal vintage ever produced in our area.

Cheers,

Jean-Marc - Domaine Rouge-Bleu

Comments

[George Christian]

La cuvée devrait porter un nom contenant: rocheux, rocheuse, ou: roque. . . pour rappeler son origine.

[Linda Holt]

Hi, Jean-Marc -

I've been trying to think of the French equivalent of "Rock & Roll", but roque & role doesn't quite work . . . based on George's comment, what about something with some form of rocaille and rouge? Wish I were more creative and my French were better! Congratulations on the successful harvest. Can't wait to taste the results. Love to you and Kristen from Linda and Nancy.

[Jean]

Vous ne pouvez pas vous exprimer en Français , c'est une si belle langue : celle du vin , par excellence !

[Grahame Haggart]

Hi marc,
I think it has to be called the "SOIXANTE CINQ" the 65 after the age of the vines

[Denise L.]

La Promesse de Provence, peut-etre? I might leave out the article, for ease on the tongue - Promesse de Provence.

Cheers -

[Jens Hork]

Hi Jean-Marc,

Considering your other cuvées, I think "Galets" would be a nice name.

You might also simply name it "Vieilles Vignes", "Tête de cuvée" or "Cuvée Prestige", but these names a more traditional.

Best Wishes,
Jens

[Jean-Marc]

Thanks to all for the inputs.
Jean : Sorry but most of my customers are in the US and I don't have time for the French translation (if you wish, you can do it and I will post it).
Et même si j'adore le vin français, je ne pense pas que l'on puisse associer "hégémoniquement" le vin à la France. En fait, je pense même que les plus grands vins actuels ne sont pas faits en France.

[fc]

"Merveille-sous-roche"

[andy mcbrian]

Pierre Vivante

[martina]

Bon Vivant?

[Jennifer in OR]

"Grenache-Pierres" is my choice. Congratulations on an excellent 2009!!

Cheers,

Jennifer

[Judy]

Felicitation jean-marc. Peut-etre...
Chez pierres
Domaine pierres
Roque jus ...mais non!
Rouge pierres
Dolce pierres
65 pierres
Milles des pierres
au revoir et merci

[Jeanne]

I loved all 17 videos! Made me feel present, without the scraped up, bleeding hands and sunburned neck! But also without the wine, food and comraderie. Quel domage! (is that spelled right?)
I love the idea of "Flip Video" - was that an updated model for 2009? The pictures were so clear. I think this will be a Christmas present for my husband. So easy to take out into the vineyard, if only we had one!
Jeanne

[Debbie Poulin]

Cuvée Pétanque

love the videos.

[Steen TWC]

Hi Jean-Marc.

You could call your new super wine Cuvee Cecile. You would then express your location and be true to the other site/local names you have for your two first reds.

Steen

[Jules Greer]

Dearest Jean-Marc,

I think you should name it after me....

XOXO

MOMAJULES

[Jules Greer]

Jean-Marc Darling,

How about "GRANDMERE + 2"

63+2=65 YEARS

and PUT MY PAINTING ON THE BOTTLE (THE ONE OF YOU AND i DANCING THE TANGO.

XOXO

JULES (MOM)

[Jean-Marc]

Thanks for all the offering guys.
You will be posted on the final decision and be sure that your suggestions are fueling my spirit.
Cheers
Jean-Marc

[Marianne Rankin]

I hope it's not too late to comment on this.

The problem with calling the wine "65" is twofold:

1. In a year, it will be 66 years old, then 67, etc.;
2. If wine is made from grapes from these vines year after year, each one would have its year of production, which could perhaps get confusing if the wine were also called by a number - i.e., a "65" from '10, the '11 vintage "65", etc.

To highlight the age of the vines, maybe include the word "Age" in the name? Or "Epoque"? Or something suggesting age, such as "Sagesse"?

Of the above suggestions, I like "Promesse de Provence" the best.

[Robert M]

"Sang des Galets"?

[Suzanne]

Jean-Marc,
Why not convert the idea of rocks with something truly special and name it for a red gemstone ... the French for garnet or ruby perhaps? Can't wait to sip this one ...

[Cerelle]

L'histoire de la vigne
but then you have so Many good suggestions..See you soon in Phoenix!