DOMAINE RIVATON (Roussillon, France)
Côtes Roussillon Villages "Gribouilles" 2006
70% Carignan 15% Syrah 15% Grenache all of ancient ages. Hand selected over a series of weeks and crated in small baskets. Gravity fed in concrete for 22day maceration. Wild yeasts begin slow ferments. Racked again into concrete to rest for 1yr. No filtration.
Frédéric Rivaton is the residing chief over the old, old vines of Syrah, Carignan and Grenache in the mountainous peaks of Latour de France, in the Pyrenees. He created the cellar in 2004 in an effort to take advantage of the distinct mineral and microclimate that reigns in his terrior, all while employing organic/biodynamic practices. He is able to freely, as this windswept terrain facing the Mediterranean, at an altitude of 400M, is barren and intense. Life is an obvious struggle’Ķperfect for gnarly old vines. The vines grow at odd angles and barely inches above the ground as they dig to survive. But they are veteran old denizens, with yields of only 10hl/ha. Frédéric is equally fierce with a desire to express the full potential of his vineyards. His vines are 80-100 years old, dug into shale, gneiss and schist. This provides him with the basic ingredient of low-yield intensified concentrations. He takes that to a gentle cellar handling, where gravity fed slues run into old concrete tanks (15-30L). Natural yeasts, which he says are different with every vintage, begin fermentations and are allowed to take their time. Nothing is added and nothing is taken away. It is his best theory to a direct expression of the terrior message. Mr. Rivaton is adventurous in his endeavor. It takes a man of true vision to work the vines in such rugged conditions. He is new at the craft and new on the scene but with the ancient stones giving him direction, he is pointed down a well-tred path.
70% Carignan 15% Syrah 15% Grenache all of ancient ages. Hand selected over a series of weeks and crated in small baskets. Gravity fed in concrete for 22day maceration. Wild yeasts begin slow ferments. Racked again into concrete to rest for 1yr. No filtration.