The Domaine Almoric is located in Allan on the right bank of the Rhone River. It benefits from the dry mistral winds and the sunshine in the Rhone Valley. The vineyards are in Drome Provencale as well as south of Montelimar which is the AOC Côteaux du Tricastin.
History
It`s a family-owned vineyard since 1930. David Contensuzas is running the family business in the 4th generation. He was working in the food industry for the Kronenbourg brewery in Alsace and Ferrero before taking over the vineyard in 2007. Historically the family business produced a red and a rose wine which were the main products next to a cereal business. This changes after David Contensuzas takes over the vineyard and separates the cereal business from the wine business. He enlarges the wine portfolio from one red and rose wine to 4 red wines, 2 rose wines and 3 white wines.
The vines of the Domaine Almoric
The Domaine Almoric is growing vines on a surface of 20 hectares. The wines are based on the flagship grapes of the Rhone valley: Syrah, Marsanne, Roussanne as well as Grenache, Mourvedre and Viognier. The vines are 15 to 40 years old and are therefore yielding very aromatic grapes.
The main difference between the different red wine cuvees is the age of the vines as well as the duration of the vatting and maceration. The lightest red wines are from vines which are just 20 years old and the most complex and aromatic red wines are from vines which age close to 50 years. The vatting and maceration start at 10 days for the lighter wines and can take up to 30 days for the Terre de Sages wine. This influences the quantity of tannins which are in the wine. The grapes for all red wines are completely destemmed. The wine is fermented in temperature controlled concrete vats.
The white and rose wines are fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks with the grapes being completely destemmed before the vinification.
The wines
Some of the wines created at the Domaine Almoric are:
Red wines
Tradition, AOC Grignan-les-Adhemar
The cuvee Tradition is a blend of 90% Syrah and 10% Grenache. The vines are 20 years old and grow on clay-limestone soil. It`s a light red colored wine with aroma of red fruit. IYou can pair it with a veal stew, grilled meat, or a charcuterie plate.
Terre de Sages, AOC Grignan-les-Adhemar
A blend of 95% Syrah and 5 % Grenache. The vines are 48 years old and grow on chalky clay soil. The winemaker focuses on low yield high quality output. The grapes are fermented in temperature controlled concrete vats. The color of the wine is deep red with purple reflections. It`s a very aromatic wine with spicy and red fruit and cherry notes. Terre de Sages paires best with a rosemary hare or a shank of lamb.
The Terre de Sages cuvee was recently highlighted by the French wine journal “Terre de Vins” as one of their “Coup de Coeur” – heart stopper wines from this region.
Charme et Seduction
Charme et Seduction – charme and seduction is a blend of 90 % Syrah and 10 % Viognier. This special blend of red and white grapes combines the fine, elegant tannins of the Syrah with the aromatic character of the Viognier. You can pair it with filet of beef or duck. It`s available as a magnum bottle, too.
Esprit de Famille
It`s a blend of 90% Syrah and 10% grenache with vines that are 30 years old. The wine shows a deep red color with ruby reflections. You can pair it with grilled meats or a lamb tajine.
White wines:
Un Dimanche entre amis
A Sunday with friends – un Dimanche entre amis is a blend of 70% Viognier, 15% Marsanne and 15% Roussanne. These are the three flagship white wine grapes in the Rhone valley. The grapes are picked manually underlining the high quality of the wine. It`s a golden yellow wine with white peach, hawthorn, and honey notes. You can drink it as an aperitif wine or pair it with fish or shellfish.
Charme et Seduction
Charme and Seduction also exists as a white wine. It`s a 100 % Viognier wine. The vines grow on chalky soil and the harvest of the grapes takes place at full maturity. As an exception to the other wines the Charme and Seduction cuvee rests in oak barrels for 2 weeks before being transferred to temperature controlled stainless steel tanks.
Rose wines
The rose wines are blends of 80% Grenache and 20% Cinsault. Both wines Le temps de cigales – time of cicades and Pink Crazy Rabbit are ferment in temperature-controlled steel tanks. Both wines are made by pressing the grapes and removing the skins quickly. The difference in color comes from the regions the grapes grow. The light-colored Temps de Cigales is an AOC Grignan-les-Adhemar whereas the dark pink colored Pink Crazy Rabbit is an IGP Mediterannee wine.
Conclusion
We really liked the reception at the Domaine Almoric and the nice wine tasting where we tried a number of red and rose wines this summer. Some of the wines are also available in magnum bottles. Wine events and receptions can be organized on request. During normal business hours it`s not necessary to make an appointment. You can also discover the Domaine during a virtual tour. The wines are available at the online store of the Domaine.
