Domaine Ledogar 'La Mariole' Corbières AOP 2019

Brothers Xavier and Mathieu Ledogar come from a wine growing family, as both their great grandfathers were wine growers in Ferrals Les Corbières. Nature lover Xavier began working the vineyards at 12 years old, and dropped out of agriculture school at 18 to devote himself full time to the domaine. He took over the 22 hectares of the domaine on his own in 1997, building a cellar (previously wine had been sent to the local cooperative), and originally calling the estate Domaine Grand Lauze, before eventually switching to the family name. Brother Mathieu joined him in 2000, and now he and Xavier work together, farming organically (and biodynamically since 2004). Xavier and Mathieu follow moon cycles, and use organic fertilizers and plant infusions on the vines. They use a horse to plow the vines and also have some donkeys that assist in weeding. Made up of almost entirely carignan (some vines are already more than a century old!) and a little bit of marselan, "La Mariole" ("The Jester") offers up intense concentration of fruit along with ripe tannins. Juicy dark cherry and black currant mingle with notes of elderberry and savory olive tapenade. Lots of depth without the weight on the palate. Certified organic, biodynamically grown, low intervention, vegan.