The nose here gives cooked blackberries, earth and bramble. This is medium bodied with wild berries, macerated black currants, black pepper, cocoa and mineral notes like iron. It is slightly rustic in style with lightly drying tannins and just-right acidity.

Domaine de la Guicharde is located in the hills just to the east of the Rhone River about 45 minutes north of Avignon. The winery is located in the village of Mondragon, surrounded by old forests and hills where locals hunt wild boar and wild mushrooms. In 2005 the quality of the wines in the region was recognized by the French government and given the ability to name its Côtes-du-Rhône wines with the appellation of Massif d’Uchaux, similar to the way the wines of the village of Chateauneuf du Pape were “promoted” to their own appellation in 1923. The Massif d’Uchaux, rich in flora and fauna, is part of the Vaucluse of Provence. Vine growing dates back to Roman times. 

There are 40 hectares (100 acres) of grapes planted here along with olive groves and an additional 20 hectares of woods and scrubland. The oldest vines on the property are 70-year old grenache vines which are grown on deep sandy soils with large stones, similar to those in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The newer plantings are on very shallow calcerous soil with decomposed fossilized rocks. In 2013 the winery was certified biodynamic by Demeter, a philosophy which is embraced throughout the estate’s operations. Now owned by Marie and Didier Perréol who also operate a nearby luxury hotel (a 16th century, renovated castle) called the Chateau de Masillan with a one-star Michelin restaurant, bistro and spa, the winery has a chic, new winery and tasting space. All parts of the estate use organic products, fed from a large, organic vegetable garden on the property.

This Cotes-du-Rhone cuvée comes from younger vines planted around the winery. It is vinified and aged in stainless steel.

Charcuterie, Chicken/Turkey, Duck, Hearty stew, Lamb, Pizza, Pork, Red Meat, Roasted Root Vegetables, Sausage, Tapas, Wild Game