For this superb red wine, Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Syrah grapes are grown in the Pays d'Oc on Domaine Valiniere's oldest vines. These ancient vines have deep roots, allowing them to easily extract nutrients and moisture from the rich soil structure. The soil, rich in limestone and gravel, gives the bunches considerable strength, but yields are minimal. All bunches ripen in a warm climate with abundant sunshine and the cooling effect of the mountainside. This coolness contributes to a balanced growing season. When the harvest is ripe, the vines' branches are cut to deprive the bunches of nutrients. They are dried by the sun, a technique known as Appasimento. This drying of the bunches gives the winemaker a richer and more concentrated grape, which we taste in this red wine. The black juice is exceptionally beautiful and evokes a warm feeling.
This red wine has two labels: one titled "Double Ripasse" depicting a woman's mouth holding a cigar. The other label reads "It's so good to be bad." Only Domaine Valinière could do that, as they are the pioneers of the South of France. Pouring this red wine reveals a beautiful, deep red, almost black color. All our senses are stimulated, and the aroma offers a rich bouquet of ripe and sultry black fruit, accompanied by spices, tobacco leaves, chocolate, and a touch of vanilla. The palate is full and complex with a contemporary character. Beautiful flavors of plums and cherries complemented by spices, vanilla, cedar, and cocoa. The finish is smooth and even smoother, with very deep flavors. What a discovery this Double Ripasse red wine is.
