Vignoble Simian, Atout Rouge (NV)

REGION: Vin de France (Piolenc, Southern Rhône)

COUNTRY: France

GRAPE(S): Grenache, Merlot, Syrah, Caladoc and Alicante

BODY: Medium

ABV: 13%

TASTING NOTES: Deep ruby in color with hints of purple. An intense nose of fruity and spicy aromas, showcasing fresh wild black fruits, and notes of garrigue. On the palate, it is delightful and crisp, bursting with flavors of cherry, licorice, and a touch of white pepper. It has a round finish featuring persistant yet silky-smooth tannins. Intense, lively, and friendly. 

WINEMAKING NOTES:  Mechanical harvest in the cool of the morning to preserve the freshness of the aromas. Destemming, crushing, fermentation for 4 to 6 days in concrete vats then devatting and pressing. Aging in concrete vats for a few months. Blending of several vintages (generally 2). Light filtration and bottling in batches of 8 to 10,000 bottles approximately every 6 months. Certified organic and biodynamic

FUN FACT: Besides the globally-known Syrah and Merlot, this red wine also sports two lesser-known Mediterannean grapes, the Alicante Bouschet that brings a lot of color to the blend (such grapes are called tenturier in French) , and the Caladoc, a relatively new cross of Grenache and Malbec. It was crossbred by researcher Paul Truel in Montpellier in 1958 and, despite being authorized for use in most French winegrowing regions, it remains rather rare and unknown. However, the surface planted with it in France increased more than 5-fold between 1998 and 2018, probably due to its drought- and disease-resistant qualities that allow for significantly fewer treatments during the growing season. Moreover, it gives wines with deep color, pleasant body and interesting tannins that are present yet supple and smooth – the ideal combination for an easy-drinking red wine!

PAIRS WELL WITH: As an aperitif, charcuterie, BBQ, Tandoori Chicken/Biryani or other Indian dishes.