Viret, Philippe 2017 Cuvée Renaissance

This is a full bodied, black-fruited blend from an estate that follows the principles of Cosmoculture, which can be likened to Biodynamics in its respect of lunar patterns and also energy fields and telluric currents. Though it might sound a bit "new-age," it's more accurately a look back to how ancient civilizations observed water sources and planetary movement to inform how, where, and what they would plant. Primarily Grenache, with Syrah, Mourvedre, and Carignan from several plots, the maceration is long (about 45 days) and aging is over 4 years in concrete, with no addition of sulfur. A complex and generous, earthy Southern Rhone red with great length, supple tannins, and nice aging potential.  -EL