Calmel & Joseph Vieux Carignan

David visited these vineyards in September 2014.  He’ll show you the photos if you ask him!

On 30th Sept the grapes were still to be picked.  The high vineyards in the Cote de Brien, Minervois missed the previous night’s torrential downpours.

The vines are 130 years old.  Queen Victoria was a young lady of only 47 when they were planted! The high vineyards beteen Carcasone and Beziers get little rain so the tap root goes down hundreds of feet to find water.  The yields are low but with a concentrated flavour and make a fabulous wine.  Just think of the history while it slips down your throat.

The resulting wine is pretty and perfumed rather than overpowering, with ripe fruit and a warm finish.  The tannins are soft and well integrated.