Domaine Jones Carignan Rouge Vineyard Collection – 2020

Katie Jones is an English lady who followed her dream and set up her own wine domaine in the mid 1990s in the  rugged, windswept hills around Tuchan in Fitou AC in the far south west of the Languedoc. She “collects” old vineyards, buying neglected parcels of vines and bringing them back to life with huge amounts of care and passion. This remote area of France, around 30 minutes drive inland from Perpignan, is extremely dry and has sadly suffered more than most other wine regions from climate change; in the 2023 growing season they received only 250mm of rainfall and many producers are being forced to grub up their vines. In these arid conditions, only old vines with deep roots can survive, and none are hardier and better able to continue producing grapes than the native Carignan Gris and Carignan Rouge vines. Katie cultivates all her vines organically.

Katie’s Carignan Rouge comes from two small plots in Tuchan. The soils vary and include limestone, clay, and shale. The vines were planted 119 years ago and so do not produce a large quantity of fruit. However, the grapes they yield are of exceptional quality! The roots are so well-established that even during the driest summers, these century-old Carignan vines appear lush and fresh. The grapes are hand picked, fermented for ten days then transferred to used French oak barrels for 12 months.

Made from 100% Carignan Rouge grapes grown on 117 year old vines planted on limestone, clay and shale soils.

This is a full bodied red with plump, red mulberry fruit flavours, gentle notes of rosemary, garrigue and spice and firm but rounded tannins. It has good concentration and power and finishes with a very gentle hint of vanilla from its oak barrel ageing. Fruit-packed and about as sexy as Carignan gets!                                                                                                                                                   14.5% alcohol.

17/20pts Jancis Robinson MW

This would pair wonderfully with lamb shanks, wild boar stew and ratatouille.

Only 65 cases were produced. Drink now – 2030.