Carignan 1903 2023, Côtes Catalanes rouge Le Roc des Anges | Roussillon

The Carignan 1903 cuvée is emblematic of the Roc des Anges wine estate. It is one of the most prestigious wines in the Roussillon region. Marjorie Gallet, a talented winemaker, has succeeded in developing this unique cuvée! It's the one that has contributed so much to the wine estate's current reputation. As its name suggests, this cuvée is made from very old Carignan vines. The vines were planted in 1903 on a mainly schist terroir. It's a carignan that gives dense, deep wines, but also with plenty of freshness. For lovers of great Roussillon wines, this cuvée is one of the best, along with La Muntada from the Gauby wine estate, which is in a completely different style today.

Philippe Mischler, sommelier at Mundovin: Carignan 1903 from Domaine Roc des Anges is the magic cuvée from the wine estate that Marjorie Gallet has brought to the fore. This cuvée truly deserves its place at an affordable price. The depth and elegance of this wine make it one of the best of all the wines from the South of France. A cuvée for laying down that deserves to be kept for 5 to 10 years to express the full potential of this very special terroir.

The nose is powerful and intense, with smoky notes and a slightly animal, sanguine quality. The aromatic power of this nose is impressive. The touch of fruit reveals itself much more when the wine is oxygenated. The nose balances out after two hours of decanting, and it's here that the terroir reveals all its splendor.

On the palate, the attack is still a little firm, but it's young, the wine needs time. The substance is splendid, as is the freshness, and there's a hint of the rustic character of Carignan, perfect to accompany a mature rib-eye steak. A great wine in the making, patience..