Magic In The Unexpected - Domaine Balma D'Eole
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Through unexpected turn of events, I ended up in the Southern Rhone a few weeks ago. My dear friend asked me if Iβd like to visit her dear friends local winery β¦.. of course I said yes. As we pulled up to their winery, she said βyou will be the FIRST person to visit and discover their wines pre-release of their VERY FIRST VINTAGE.β Moments after the shock wore off, the magnitude of this incredible honor to a wine passionate woman truly sunk in (Iβll leave out all of the profanities that went through my mind with excitement and happiness). Note I had to separate the post into 2 parts - the experience and the wine.
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Manon Serillon and Thomas Baumet are a young couple that balances hard work and living life to the fullest. Domaine Balma DβEole is a passion project for Manon, who studied wine business and for Thomas, a third generation oenologist and winemaker. Thomas didnβt intend to be a winery owner straight out of university. They both wanted to gain experience abroad (New Zealand for Thomas and Switzerland for Manon) before returning to their roots in Rochegude. They named the winery Balma DβEole, a link between their roots and the terroir. They purchased 7 hectares (of which 5 are vines are in Suze La Rousses et Lagarde Pareol), CΓ΄tes du RhΓ΄ne Villages appellation located in the Southern Rhone. Their vines are organically farmed, certified HVE, sustainable practices with minimal intervention to focus on the pure expression of their predominant 80 year old vines - Grenache, Syrah and Carignan as well as 15 year old Grenache. They plan on integrating olive groves and bee hives in the future to further promote the eco system of the vineyard. Wildflowers and garigue grow amongst the vines all happily amongst the red clay, sandstone soils of this Mediterranean climate as well as the Mistral wind all contribute to the RhΓ΄ne wines style, richness and beauty.
We tasted 5 wines - a Grenache/Carignan blend, a blend of young and old vine Grenache which were co-fermented, a Syrah a Carignan and lastly a blend of all 3 varieties. The first sip I thought wow⦠took a pause⦠wow again. It was a moment where time stood still. I was at a loss for words and had goosebumps all at the same time. This continued with each and every wine tasted. The more immersed in the experience, the more enamored I became.
This was an experience that I will forever treasure , a giant coup de cΕur. This is a domaine to discover and adore. Their big label reveal to come (I had a sneak preview, itβs gorgeous and very fitting) as well as insights on my special bottle of wine gifted to me by the talented and adorable couple.
