In the glass
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
- 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.