Magnum Cornaline 2018, IGP Alpilles Domaine Hauvette | Provence

Domaine Hauvette 's Cornaline cuvée is one of those red wines that leave a lasting impression on the mind and palate. Comparable to the cuvées of Domaine de Trévallon, the monuments of Provence, Cornaline truly sublimates the terroir of the Alpilles. It's not Dominique Hauvette's most prestigious cuvée, yet... Produced from 50-year-old Grenache, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon vines on a rocky clay and limestone soil, Cornaline from Domaine Hauvette at first glance combines all the typical elements of Baux de Provence. Typical in its winemaking process too, since Dominique Hauvette is adept at traditional winemaking, letting the fermentations start spontaneously with the indigenous yeasts. After infusion of the berries, the wine is aged for two and a half years in barrels and ovoid concrete vats, so it's not unusual to see vintages over 5 years old.

Philippe Mischler, sommelier at Mundovin : Carnelian is a variety of quartz with a vermilion-red hue, present in small quantities in the soils where the vines for this cuvée are planted. Dominique Hauvette pays vibrant tribute to his terroir by naming his cuvée Cornaline. This veritable work of art reveals an incredible energy rarely found in Provence. It's a profoundly Mediterranean wine, with a stunning balance of substance, tannin and acidity.

The nose reveals magnificent varietal aromas, fleshed out by pronounced empyreumatic notes where cedar, garrigue and undergrowth mark the bouquet with irresistible nobility. This is followed by an intense fruity expression, driven by particularly suave licorice accents.

On the palate, the attack is concentrated with a juicy, supple tannic structure. Notes of black fruit and garrigue spread across the palate to a long, well-balanced finish.