Le Fournas by Domaine Sainte Croix

Structure

Bodyfull

Tanninmedium

Aciditymedium

Sweetnessdry

Finishlong

Oakbarrel aged

Drinking window

Best 3 to 10 years from vintage.

vintage3 yrs10 yrs12 yrs

Critic scores

No critic score is published for this bottle that we can cite with a reviewer, a vintage and a review year, so none is shown. The rating in the header is our own.

In the glass

Full-bodiedMedium tanninMedium acidityDryLong finish

Aroma: red plum, garrigue, leather, warm earth

Palate: red fruit, wild herbs, fine grain tannin, savoury

Old-vine Carignan-led entry red of the Bowens; a blend of Carignan, Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre. Vinified in carbonic maceration for some parcels.

What it pairs with

Slow-braised lamb shanks
Carignan's structure and fine tannin meet the lamb fat.
Roast pork belly with herbs
The wine's wild-herb register matches herb-roasted pork.
Saucisson and Pelardon board
Languedoc charcuterie and goat cheese with old-vine Carignan.

History

Domaine Sainte Croix in Fraisse-des-Corbieres is owned and run by the English husband-and-wife team of Jon and Elizabeth Bowen. Le Fournas is their entry-level wine, a blend of old-vine Carignan with Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre.

2005: First vintage of Le Fournas

Facts

Producer: Domaine Sainte Croix · visiting guide
Grapes: Carignan (40%), Syrah (27%), Grenache (23%), Mourvedre (10%)
Classification: AOC Corbieres
Oak: 12-14 months in foudres and used barriques
ABV: 14.0%
Price: EUR 18-26 at retail
Drinking window: 3-10 from vintage
First vintage: 2005
Organic: ORGANIC CERTIFIED
Vegan: Yes (no animal-derived fining)

Frequently asked about Le Fournas

What does Sainte Croix Le Fournas taste like?

Red plum, garrigue, leather and warm earth on the nose; red fruit, wild herbs, fine-grain tannin and savoury notes on the palate. Full-bodied with medium tannins and a long finish.

When should I drink Sainte Croix Le Fournas?

Drink between 3 and 10 years from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-45 minutes in carafe; the wine reaches its peak at 5-7 years.

What grapes are in Le Fournas?

Forty percent Carignan, 27 percent Syrah, 23 percent Grenache and 10 percent Mourvedre. Old-vine Carignan provides the backbone.

What food pairs with Sainte Croix Le Fournas?

Slow-braised lamb shanks is the canonical pairing; Carignan's structure and fine tannin meet the lamb fat. Roast pork belly with herbs and a saucisson-Pelardon board are equally strong matches.

Taste it where it is made: tours and tastings in Languedoc

Montpellier Wine and Oyster Tour

Day trip3h 30m4.9 from 78 reviewsfrom €85

In a typically Mediterranean landscape, discover two of the region’s greatest treasures on this unforgettable half-day experience combining fine wines, fresh oysters, ...

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