L'îvresse des cîmes
L’ivresse des cîmes
My ‘L’îvresse des Cimes’ label is made from grapes grown on the steepest plots in my vineyard, located at the very top of the hillside, where maintaining balance starts to get particularly difficult.
This is a blend of two grape varieties – Mourvèdre and Syrah.
Technical sheet
In the vine
Within my vineyard, which is entirely classified under the Saint Chinian appellation, are plots of Mourvèdre and Syrah whose grapes will be blended to make ‘L’îvresse des Cimes’.
Mourvèdre is grown in the time-honoured bush-vine way.
The Syrah, on the other hand, is grown using high trellising, because its shoots tend to droop. We use trellising to straighten and arrange the shoots vertically, thereby maximising photosynthesis, an essential factor in achieving perfectly ripe fruit.
Pruning of the Syrah: short using the Cordon de Royat system, referred to as “omega”.
Pruning of the Mourvèdre: very short, 3 two-eyed spurs per vine.
The grapes were harvested ultra ripe, by hand.
In the cellar
When they arrive at the cellar, the grapes are immediately destemmed, then lightly crushed and put into the tank.
Fermentation in tanks n°2, n°3 and n°5.
Hot maceration (about 25°C) in these same tanks lasts about four weeks, with twice daily pumping over.
Racking in mid-October then blending.
Matured in tanks for over a year and a half with two rackings per year and no fining or filtration.
In the glass
The colour of this wine is black and intense.
It delivers a sumptuous bouquet of red berry fruits, blueberry and blackberry, amidst scents of garrigue herbs and spices.
Fine fleshy palate with satin-smooth tannins that linger elegantly.
Cellaring potential: 20 years and more
