Description

The vast majority of this wine is Grenache. Domaine Charvin is a wine I’ve loved in the past and I do with this vintage too. Whole bunches are used to make an aromatically pretty wine with a backbone of firm tannins. Having had  2-3 years to settle down, Domaine Charvin is gorgeous now. In another 10 plus years it will still be an amazing drink. If you’re looking for a wine to cellar for the long term, buy the magnums; you will not regret it.

Domaine Charvin La Poutet Cotes-du-Rhone 2021, and all wines are eligible for at least 5% off any six bottles. And 10% off any 12 bottles. Some wines will be at a more significant discount and not subject to further discounts.

From 21 hectares, Domaine Charvin crafts dense, structured, impressive Grenache-based wines. Domaine Charvin owns 8 hectares in Chateauneuf and 13 in Cotes-du-Rhone, with a rather impressive average vine age of 50 years planted on north-facing sandy slopes, which gives Laurent a considerable advantage. The high vine age contributes to the density and structure, while the north-facing sites are cooler, and the sand allows for more elegance and aromatics. Any fans of the Southern Rhone should know and drink wines from Domaine Charvin.

Domaine Charvin La Poutet Cotes-du-Rhone 2021 Wine Review

John Livingstone-Learmonth
drinkrhone.com
Feb 2024.
’From 2010 81% Grenache (av age 40 yrs in 2012, youngest 2004, 1992, oldest 1920s), 7.5% Syrah (1985), 7.5% Mourvèdre (1985, a recently rented plot), 5% Carignan (1950s), before was 85% Grenache (av age 40 yrs in 2008, youngest 1992, oldest 1920s), 10% Syrah (1985), 5% Carignan (1950s) from near Maucoil, Quartier Champovin, Boislauzon, sandy, clay-limestone, some galet stones soils, light crush, whole bunch 15-20 day fermentation, daily pumping overs, press wine added, concrete vat raised 18 months, fined, unfiltered, up to 50,000 b’
’quiet red robe; the nose leads on a pine needles, cedar air, a spiced undercurrent, and a note of damson jam in the second rank. It has a cool vintage nature. The palate clusters around white pepper, herbs on the attack, has a steady level of gras at its centre, is smoky and thrusting late on, notably vegetal on the finish. The length is established here. I feel the content is making inroads into the dry herbal tones, so it should be left until spring 2026, will be a gainer. 13.5°. 2033-35‘

Cotes-du-Rhone

The generic appellation of the Rhone Valley. It can produce white, rosé or red wines. They are often blends of a few of the local wines. Quality can range from very low to some that rival the best wines in the region. Knowing the good producers is the key to picking a good wine from this appellation.

Rhone Valley

One of the great wine regions in the world. Situated along the Rhone river in South-East France, there is a distinct divide between the Syrah dominant North where the Mistral wind cools and regulates the temperature and the hot lands in the South where Grenache is at its peak. The region produces everything from easy-going quaffers to wines that demand long-term cellaring. Whites can be outstanding such as Viognier made in Condrieu, and Rosé makes a fair impression too.

Grenache/Garnacha

Spain’s gift to the world; We know it as Grenache. I think everyone has a soft spot for it in some way. Almost too exuberant in expressing its sweet red fruits and high alcohol. It often needs other grapes blending in to add moderation, structure and depth, much like Abbott and Costello. Despite this, the wines of Priorat, Chateauneuf du Pape, Rioja and Aussie GSMs have a fantastic ability to age for the long term.

Shiraz/Syrah

A bit of a chameleon, Shiraz can change how it looks depending on the terroir and/or winemaker influence. The Syrah-based wines of Northern Rhone are dry and austere, while the Shiraz of Barossa is opulent and fleshy. A variety that lends itself to long aging but can be drunk at any time of its evolution.

Cinsault

An important supporting grape in a lot of wines from Southern France. It can tolerate the heat but really needs a dry climate to avoid disease. Cinsault makes strong black wines that lack a bit of charm without other varieties help. It can really turn it on for textural rosé, especially when an aromatic variety is blended in.

French Wine

The land that so many New World (not European) wine producers look to emulate. To generalise about French wine, I would say it is savoury, lighter-bodied wines. They are the definition of elegant, complex. There are many styles, though. And there is a French wine for every palate. They lead the world in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in Burgundy. Sparkling Wine in Champagne. Cabernet and Merlot in Bordeaux. Syrah(Shiraz) and Grenache in the Rhone Valley. Riesling, Gewurztraminer, and Pinot Gris in Alsace. Sauvignon Blanc, and Chenin Blanc in the Loire Valley. Gamay in Beaujolais.

Wine

Wine is the result you get from fermented grape juice. There is proof of wine production dating back 8000 years ago. Fashions, innovations and many other factors have influenced the way wine has evolved over the years.

The wine grape is special. It contains everything you need to make grape wine except for the yeast, which lives on the outside of the skins.

Human inputs can influence the final product, including the viticulture (growing) choices. And the winemaker can shape the wine to a point too.

The best wines of the world often refer to terroir. Terroir is a French term that refers to all the climatic, geological and topographical influences on a specific piece of land. And it is true that neighbouring vineyards, grown identically, can taste noticeably different.

Red Wine

Fun fact; most of the colour for wines comes from the skins. There are only a handful of grapes that have red juice. Alicante is the most well known of these grapes.

By macerating the juice on the skins, the wine gains tannins, and flavours. Certain compounds change the chemistry of the wine too.

Red wines tend to have higher alcohol. More tannin and more oak flavours compared to other styles of wine. But the thousands of grapes and terroirs they grow in influence this.

The Wine Depository

I, Phil, have been running The Wine Depository since 2011. The Wine Depository exists to make sure you are drinking the good wines. You can browse and pick what is interesting to you. Or you can make contact with me. I’ll make sure you get what you want, to your palate, to your budget and to your door.