2021 Domaine de Trevallon - IGP Alpilles Rouge (1.5L)

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The Domaine de Trévallon story reads like something out of a wine fantasy. Eloi Durrbach was an architecture student in Paris when he decided that his calling was back at the family property in the Alpilles, between Arles and Avignon in Provence. Though there were no vines planted at the time, Eloi had a vision that he could create something special from the pine and scrub-covered hillsides below the mountains above. The Durrbachs were a family of artists, who sold one of the paintings that their dear friend Pablo Picasso had given them to the Rockefeller family, and used the funds to purchase their first vineyard. Eloi's father, an important artist and great friend of Picasso (who was Eloi's godfather!), also believed his property would be an ideal place to make wine. He was not however, on board with Eloi's departing from school, and made it well known. Eloi charged ahead all the same, digging and blasting plots around his property. He began in the early 70's by planting some Syrah cuttings from Rayas and some Cabernet Sauvignon from Chateau Vignelaure near neighboring Aix-en-Provence.

The property is now comprised of fifteen hectares split evenly between Syrah and Cabernet and two additional hectares planted to Marsanne, Roussanne, Clairette and Grenache Blanc and a small bit of Chardonnay. Eloi's philosophy is all about a dogged commitment to a simple, pure expression of place. Much like their origin, the wines are profound examples of a timeless and raw beauty that hits hard, and deeply. Lovers of these wines are fiercely loyal to them, and for good reason. Although Trévallon may be more of a recognizable name in the present day, that is not to say that the wines are any less exciting than they have ever been. These are special wines that deserve a significant place in any expansive collection and are a wonderful and engaging companion at the dinner table.

Trévallon Rouge is a vin de garde made utilizing time-honored processes and without invasive manipulation.  The wine is always 50% Syrah and 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, drawn from north facing vineyards that have been farmed organically for decades. Fermented 100% whole cluster with wild yeast, it is aged for 2 years in large foudre before bottling. While this wine is generally opulent and indulgent in its youth, it famously rewards time in the cellar, and slowly and beautifully evolves over decades.