THE REDS

Abélard & Héloïse – Passion & Persistence.

Our twin flagship reds are named after the most famous pair of lovers in the Middle Ages.  Abélard was the theologian and philosopher whose passionate illicit romance with his brilliant disciple Héloïse condemned both to forced separation and tragedy.  Their love survived decades of monastic seclusion through passionate and erudite correspondence. 

They are not the classic “first wine/second wine”.  Made with the same attention to detail, they are equal in quality, but very different in style, to reflect the distinct characteristics of the varieties and vineyards.  Abélard, the Grenache blend, is well bred but packs a full-bodied punch.  Héloïse, the Syrah blend, shows balance and elegance through restraint.

Abélard and Héloïse’s uncompromising commitment to each other through time reflects our own convictions.  We admire their ability to combine deep thinking, passion and tenacity.

“Vive la différence”

Abélard

We named our Grenache blend ABÉLARD to reflect its forceful, masculine, brooding intensity.  Our mature (25 year old plus) Grenache flourishes at this high altitude and at harvest the scent of wild strawberries and black fruit wafts through the winery.  We have striven to capture and showcase this highly perfumed aroma.

TASTING NOTES Abélard 2010

Appearance: A very deep, brilliant garnet.
Nose: Abélard’s rich brooding character lifts from the glass, showing ripe red fruit, black cherry and notes of sweet spice and mocha.
Palate: Rich and concentrated. Spice and silky tannins bring structure and depth.
Finish: Ample and lengthy.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Enjoy with roast beef, venison, duck and roasted vegetables.Decant for 2-3 hours and serve at room temperature.

specifications

Varieties: Grenache 85%, Syrah 15%
Alcohol: 14.5%
pH: 3.8
Total acidity: 2.8 g/l (as sulphuric), 4.3 g/l (as tartaric)
Residual sugar: 0.5 g/l, still wine
Barrel-aged: 18 months in French oak.

VINEYARD NOTES

Vines: Grenache,over 40 years old, north-west facing at 530 m. Syrah, 30 years old, south-west facing at 540 m.
Soil: argilo-calcaire (clay and limestone), and very stony.
Pruning method: Double cordon de Royat, 6 shoots per cordon.

Treatments: No synthetic treatments used; biodynamic principles ensure health of vine and soil.

For other vintages please click here.

HÉLOÏSE

Restrained but unwavering elegance.  Our Syrah blend is named Héloïse for its balance of concentration and restraint, and its ripe, supple texture.  Our fine Syrahs blend beautifully with the highly perfumed Grenache, but also blossom with the floral notes of our high-altitude Viognier, bringing Héloïse stylistically closer to her cousins in the Northern Rhône.

TASTING NOTES HÉLOÏSE 2010

Appearance: Deep, garnet red.
Nose: Concentrated and rich, with notes of sweet spice, liquorice, prunes and a hint of truffle.
Palate: Full-bodied and round with silky tannins.
Finish: Rich and long.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Ideally suited to be enjoyed with lamb, red meat and roasted vegetables. Decant for 2-3 hours and serve at room temperature.

specifications

Varieties: Syrah 63%, Grenache 35%, Viognier 2%
Alcohol: 14%
pH: 3.8
Total acidity: 3.0 g/l (as sulphuric), 4.6 g/l (as tartaric)
Residual sugar: 0.6 g/l, still wine
Barrel-aged: 18 months in French oak.

VINEYARD NOTES

Vines: Grenache,over 40 years old, north-west facing at 530 m. Syrah, 30 years old, south-west facing at 540 m.
Soil: argilo-calcaire (clay and limestone), and very stony.
Pruning method: Double cordon de Royat, 6 shoots per cordon.

Treatments: No synthetic treatments used; biodynamic principles ensure health of vine and soil.

For other vintages please click here.