2020 Domaine de Fondrèche Ventoux Rouge

Staff Reviews

JM

John Majeski

John Majeski

This is the estate’s benchmark red, with fruit grown on the complex limestone alluvial soils. It is fermented and aged in foudres and containers—including an ovoid concrete egg that resembles a Wallace and Grommet spaceship. An array of ripe red and black fruits with a hint of garrigue and minerality are underlined by acidity to balance the attractive forward elements in this fruitful wine. Crafted from 45-year-old Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre vines. Perfect with a Wednesday night burger smothered in swiss cheese and onions.

RM

Ryan Moses

Ryan Moses

At this kind of price, it is too easy to pull corks and consider it an everyday charmer, but after watching it unfurl throughout the evening, this lovely Ventoux opened up and became a very complex bottle of wine that you want to spend time with. It is one that would have elite Rhône producers looking over their shoulder. Leading with tons of brambly red and purple fruit, a slight garrigue and forest floor note follow, showing great purity and texture that is supported by a solid acidity on a long finish. After a while, it becomes hard to put the glass down. Throw it in a decanter for a few minutes, age it in the cellar, or just pop corks with abandon - either way, this is a stunner from one of our great value producers.

Notes

Located in the foothills of Mont Ventoux lies one of the top producers in the Ventoux region of the Rhône - Domaine de Fondrèche. Vigneron Sebastien Vincenti took over the winemaking from his mother in 2005. With an eye toward biodiversity and using organic and biodynamic practices for many years, Fondrèche was recently certified organic in 2022. The winery sits on a plateau comprised of alluvial soils of clay and gravel with a mix of silex (flint) thrown in for good measure. The Ventoux Rouge is composed of 50% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 20% Mourvèdre from vines averaging 40-45 years of age. Grapes are fermented using native yeasts and aged in a mix of vat, foudre and concrete egg. This berry-forward expression is always a delight and always over delivers for the price.