2019 Domaine de l'Horizon 'l'Esprit de l'Horizon' Rouge

Aromas of dark cherry, crushed blackberry, wild thyme, and smoked meat lead into a fresh, medium-bodied palate. Flavors of tart plum and black raspberry blend with notes of cracked black pepper, dried lavender, and flinty minerality. The texture is fine-grained and lithe, balanced by bright natural acidity and a clean, savory finish.

The blend consists of 60% Carignan and 40% Syrah harvested by hand. Fermentation occurs spontaneously with native yeasts, keeping about one-third whole clusters in the vats. Extraction is handled gently through occasional pump-overs and light foot-treading. The wine ages for 12 months in used, neutral oak foudres and demi-muids before bottling without heavy manipulation.

Grapes are grown on certified biodynamic estate vineyards near the village of Calce in the Côtes Catalanes region of Roussillon. The vines sit on high-elevation hillside sites dominated by thin limestone, marl, and black schist soils. Strong winds sweeping off the Mediterranean and Pyrenees keep the vines dry and cool night temperatures, preserving fresh acidity and aromatic clarity in the fruit.