Aromas are of deep and dark fruits with some fig. This wine is medium-plus bodied and ripe with some fig newton and macerated black currants. Flavors are of black elements like graphite, light spice, tobacco, balsamic and raisin. This shows balanced acidity and medium tannins with some raisin on the finish managing to stay pleasant and not heavy.

WINE INFORMATION

In 1890, Aurélien Houchart was an energetic proprietor and négociant in wine who created one of the largest domaines in Provence. It is interesting to know that Aurélien was a good friend of the famous painter Paul Cézanne. After Aurélien’s death, the domaine was divided between his five children, with Hilaire Houchart inheriting 123 acres of vines, the cellars and agricultural buildings. Hilaire’s granddaughter, Geneviève, inherited the estate and married Jerome Quiot, whose family has been in the wine business since the 1700s. Today, Domaine Houchart has 197 acres of vines, situated at Puyloubier, at the foot of the famed montagne Sainte Victoire. The vines are left to trail on the ground in the traditional “gobelet” fashion. The soils are predominantly sandy, chalky soil with deeper beds of clay and silt. This allows adequate drainage of rainfall.

Grapes for this wine are completely destemmed and 20% of the wine has been bled off for making rosés. This process also concentrates the remaining red wine which is then matured for 10-12 months before blending.

Charcuterie, Cheese, Chicken/Turkey, Duck, Grilled preparations, Hearty stew, Lamb, Mushrooms, Pizza, Roasted Root Vegetables, Sausage, Slow-smoked Barbeque/BBQ Sauce, Tapas, Tomato Sauce