L'As du Pique 2023, Côtes du Rhône Village Roaix Pique Basse | Alsace

A superb Côtes du Rhône Villages Roaix

Domaine Pique-Passe 's L'As du Pique cuvée is a blend of three grape varieties: Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. The oldest vines are over 40 years old and are located on the slopes of the Ventabren massif, on a parcel of sandy soil facing south-east. Yields are very low, around 25 to 30 hectoliters per hectare. The result is a wine of great purity. The work carried out on this cuvée is outstanding, producing powerful yet well-balanced wines. The low yields and organic viticultural practices produce a wine of rare depth in this appellation.

Philippe Mischler, sommelier at Mundovin: The Roaix appellation is the smallest of the Côtes du Rhône Village appellations, and one of the least known. On this sandy terroir, Grenache is the dominant grape variety, revealing great ripeness and frank aromas. Olivier Tropet, the winemaker at Domaine Pique Basse, makes it a point of honor to manage his vines in the most environmentally-friendly way possible to produce the best possible wine. It is with the greatest humility and simplicity that he produces, in my opinion, the finest Côtes du Rhône Villages in terms of value for enjoyment.

On the nose, Grenache clearly dominates, opening with notes of blackcurrant liqueur, orange peel and Morello cherries, followed by smokier, spicier notes.

The palate is suave, with slightly tight tannins. Notes of ripe black fruit are followed by hints of white pepper, sweet spice and a hint of balsamic. The whole is perfectly balanced with a lovely structure.

I can't recommend it highly enough.