Domaine de la Bastide Côtes du Rhône AOP 'Figue' Rouge 2023

Vincent and Stephanie Boyer’s Domaine Bastide in Visan is surrounded by remnants of winemaking history dating back to feudal times. Vincent's family resides in a fortified farmhouse built by Templar knights in the Middle Ages, surrounded by old mourvèdre vines and fig trees (hence the figs on the label and name “Figue”). An order of Christian crusaders who rose to great prominence and wealth in the 12th and 13th centuries, the Templars established many farms and vineyards. After time as a Benedictine, then Dominican monastery, the Bastide property continues the winegrowing tradition today. Vincent has followed in his father's winemaking footsteps, and together with Stephanie, also a trained oenologist, they carry the domaine forward with innovation and focus. Their goal is to make the farm fully organic in the near future. This Côtes du Rhône, a blend of approximately 60% syrah, 20% grenache and 20% carignan from 40-year-old vines on average, is dry and plush with zippy acidity and a dark streak of earth. The soil type consists of the large stones classic to the Rhône.