Les Nuits Blanches 2023, Carignan Vincent Ruiz | Rhône

Vincent Ruiz 's Les Nuits Blanches cuvée is one of a range of handcrafted micro-cuvées produced with the utmost care by Vincent Ruiz, a young winemaker from the Ardèche who took over Domaine du Gringet (formerly Domaine Belluard). Produced from Carignan grapes planted in the 1950s on clay-limestone plots at an altitude of 450 meters on theArdèche plateaux, this wine reflects Ruiz's committed style: organic farming, harvesting at perfect ripeness, short maceration in whole bunches and ageing in stainless steel or fiberglass vats for around ten months according to the needs of the vintage, without adding sulfites, always with a minimum of intervention.

Philippe Mischler, sommelier at Mundovin : Les Nuits Blanches by Vincent Ruiz succeeds in revealing the freshness and drinkability of Carignan, usually confined to dry, stony soils. Far from the heavy, rustic styles often associated with it, this Mediterranean grape seduces with its elegant simplicity and low alcohol content. Vincent Ruiz's sober, meticulous approach, similar to that practiced at Domaine du Gringet, combined with the character of the grape variety, results in a cuvée that is modern, pure and truly alive.

The nose is immediately fresh: raspberry and black cherry dominate, vibrating with juiciness. A discreet floral touch of rose and garrigue adds finesse and elegance. The whole gains substance with a slightly smoky, peppery nuance.

The attack is supple and greedy, carried by refreshing, well-balanced acidity. The body is crisp and juicy, structured without excess by a fine, supple tannic structure. A vibrant fruity palette is accompanied by a touch of salt and spice on the finish. A digestible, elegant profile of delicate precision, in the pure style of Vincent Ruiz.