Domaine Fontanel, 'Ambré' Rivesaltes, Languedoc-Roussillon, France, 2011

Overview of the Wine
Domaine Fontanel is an unassuming winery built into the terraced main street of the sleepy town of Tautavel. It couldn’t be owned by a nicer couple in Elodie & Matthieu Collet who took over the Domaine in early 2017 and have set about modernising the winery and applying their own minimal interventionist approach. Pierre Fontanel, the previous owner, remains on the team as consultant wine maker and together they have formed a formidable team of family, tradition and modernity. The Domaine has 20 hectares under vine which are now farmed organically and the youthful philosophy of Elodie and Matthieu is starting to shine through in the vines. The jewel in their crown, are the old barrels of Rivesaltes Ambre that were tucked away in the loft of the winery. These barrels of fortified, sweet Grenache are deliciously versatile pudding wines that, although slightly unfashionable, are terrific value and super popular.

Grape / Blend
Grenache Blanc & Grenache Gris

Origin
Languedoc Roussillon, France

Tasting Notes
One of the most distinctive and exciting wines in our entire stock. From late-picked, 60 year-old vines of Grenache Blanc and Gris, the Ambré - literally amber - tone develops after at least five years of mildly oxidative aging in barrel (and here it’s kept a lot longer before bottling). Deep gold, clear and bright. This offer intriguing fumes: caramelized oranges, candle wax and marzipan, with a hint of sherry-like oxidation. That marmalade orange flavor is at the forefront, with accompanying subtleties such as apricot liqueur and walnuts.

ABSOLUTELY ADORED BY ALL THAT PURCHASE - A TOP DESSERT RECOMMENDATION.  

Product size: 750ml