The Beautiful Biodynamic Wines of Domaine les Fouques - Our Favorite Provencal Rosés!
5/16/17 -
During last winter's mad dash through France, we were finally able to visit our friends Yves Gros and family at Domaine Les Fouques, near Hyères. Located in a lovely hidden valley a few miles north of the Mediterranean, the Vallons des Borels, the estate's vines are on hillsides below wild-boar infested forests - a diverse and wild environment. The vineyard shares the farm with pens of biodynamic birds - ducks, geese and guinea hens that fertilize the vines with a little help from a flock of sheep. The estate has been organic and Biodynamic since 1991, shortly after Yves and his wife moved to les Fouques from their organic farm near Brignoles. Yves is now joined by his daugter Christelle and son-in-law Jacques Rapée who brings his nearby parcels, also in biodynamic farming, as well as his great energy and enthusiasm, to the estate. After the most delicious and healthy lunch we've ever had, we walked the perimeter of the estate, through the forest of eucalyptus, lavender, ciste and pines - Les Fouques is truly a special place, and the wines, far from the normal commercial productions of Provence, are a complex and beautiful reflection of their origins.
A few excerts from their website:
"The vineyard, cultivated in terraces, gains its mineral resorces from an ancient terroir of the First Era, an acidic soil of clay and schiste. Organic compost is applied, made and fermented at the estate and enriched by plant-based biodynamic preparations
Biodynamic agriculture, practiced at the domaine since 1991, is a search (difficult, but very motivating) for harmony between plants, animals and man. It respects the cycles of nature (solar and lunar rhythms) and by an equilibrium between animal and plant productions it creates a durable fertility of soils without the addition of fertilizers or chemical products. The fruits of the earth and the wine are thus able to fully express the potential of the terroir. The label Demeter guarantees our practice of biodynamic agriculture.
The White wine, dry and fruity with aromas of garrigue, is made from Rolle (Vermentino), Ugni Blanc and Clairette. It is vinified in 600 liter barrels, with battonage sur-lie. Serve quite cool as an aperitif , with shellfish, fish and other entrees such as tart of goat cheese.
The Red wines are supple and powerful with aromas of fruit confit, with round tannins and spicy notes. They are made with Syrah, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mourvedre and Carignan. The Cuvée Aubigue comes from our oldest vines and ages in wooden foudres. (The 2014 received a gold medal at Millesime Bio this year!). Serve with Coq au Vin, grilled meats and full-flavored cheeses.
The Rose wines: Generous, round and fruity, they come from a blend of Cinsault, Grenache and Syrah. Serve as an aperitif or with a summer meal under the arbor." Or anywhere else!
