Located in the foothills of Mont Ventoux lies one of the top producers in this region of the Rhone – Domaine de Fondreche. In the shadow of the mountain, the vines are an average age of 40 years planted in chalky clay over limestone.
Ventoux Blanc, Rhone Valley 2020- If you’re tired of drinking Chardonnay, this is the wine for you.
This is a wonderful blend of 30 % Grenache Blanc, 30 % Roussanne, 30 % Clairette, and 10 % Rolle (Vermentino) with all four varietals contributing to some degree.
Has an intriguing nose of floral notes, citrus, melon, and white peach with an interesting chalky quality. The palate is crisp, clean, and inviting dominated by apples, melon, citrus, honey, white peach, and a rich almost creamy mouthfeel
balanced by restrained acidity by the time you swallow your first sip. Balance and finesse are the name of the game with this wine- a delight to drink. Crab or lobster would most definitely be the ideal pairing but a seafood (white fish, tuna, or Salmon) salad would also work well.
Ventoux Rouge, Rhone Valley 2020- Nice balance of power and elegance.
This is a blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 20% Mourvedre and is typical for red wines/blends from this region. It is then aged in a mix of vats, foudre, and concrete eggs for a year and sourced from vines with an average age of 40 years. Allow it to breathe for an hour to give it time to reveal its true character. Nose is most definitely red fruit, dominated by cherries and strawberries with just a hint of game and spices. The palate is friendly and inviting with a soft mouthfeel despite Syrah and Mourvedre components.
Grenache contributes red currents, cherries, and strawberries, the Syrah contributes backbone as well as blueberries and plum whilst the Mourvedre brings a gamey meaty aspect to the wine, all working together to please your palate and create memories for future recollections. This is a must-try wine and a pleasure to drink! Lighter red meat dishes and chicken with tomato-based sauces.
Domaine de Fondreche ‘Persia’ Red Blend 2019 – Assertive and lush!
This Syrah has just 10% Mourvédre added giving the nose a slight meaty gamey note that is dominated by blackberries, blueberries, and a subtly pepper note- all typical of a quality Syrah from this region. One sip and it firmly established this Syrah has arrived, the lushness of the dark fruits so evident on the nose coats the palate with confidence exhibiting wonderful balance, fine tannins, and impressive acidity all designed to please the palate and put a smile on your face.
. Give it a few hours in a decanter and it becomes even more approachable. Give it 7 – 10 years and your patience will be rewarded, not to mention your palate. An absolute delight to drink. I would go bold in pairing this- a porterhouse steak with a rich mushroom sauce or a rich beef dish would go hand in hand!
Vine to Table 