Fenouillet's Ventoux Rouge is so full of charm and personality, and I am going to be drinking a lot of it this spring and summer. It provides much of the same satisfaction as good Cotes du Rhone does, and I can't wait to enjoy a bottle with a burger : )
One of the most dramatically beautiful estates in importer Neal Rosenthal's portfolio, click HERE to have a look. Sitting in the shadows of Mont Ventoux and the Dentelles de Montmirail, brothers Patrick and Vincent Soard have crafted a classic Mediterranean red with their 2022 Ventoux Rouge.
A classic blend of certified organic and biodynamic Grenache, Syrah, and Carignan, just 650 cases make their way to the US each year.
2022 Domaine de Fenouillet Ventoux Rouge
The Ultimate Comfort Red Wine!
I love all of the wines from this 3rd generation, indie, family-run estate in France's lovely Southern Rhone Valley. They all possess an honesty and traditional character that keep me coming back to them time and time again. While their Ventoux Rouge is new to the shop, I can pretty much guarantee it's going to become a fixture
Like all of the wines brought to the US by Mr. Rosenthal, one of our country's most legendary and respected importers, the winemaking is uber-traditional, and that is reflected in wines like this one! A blend of 75% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 5% Carignan fermented in cement vats, it's a true taste of sunny, Mediterranean, Southern France, and I love it!
Grenache leads the charge here, giving us classic notes of plump red and dark cherry, dried raspberry, and white pepper. Syrah adds deeper and darker notes of violet, black pepper, and savory spice, and that little splash of Carignan is just enough to provide refreshing acidity to this one.
It all adds up to a medium-bodied, silky, versatile, and hand-crafted red wine that will work with all sorts of dishes at the table. From bbq and grilled chicken to pork and beef tenderloin, this is both food-friendly and quaffable. YUM!
