Sylvain Morey & Bastide du Claux

Luberon AOC is a sub appellation in the south east of France on the foothills of the Luberon National Park, wedged in between the Rhône and Provence. The wines are also stylistically and varietal wise are caught between these two regions. The Luberon AOC was officialized in 1988 but it’s history dates back to Roman times for winemaking. You will find red, white and rose wines made in this appellation.  Syrah, Grenache Noir, Mourvèdre, Carignan and Cinsault are the main grape varieties used in the production of reds and rosés. The Grenache Blanc, Clairette Blanche, Vermentino, Bourboulenc, Roussanne, Marsanne, Ugni Blanc and Viognier grape varieties are used in the white blends. The region has Mediterranean costal influences, and benefit from gentle, south-facing slopes that run from the Mont Ventoux foothills to the sea.  The winemakers are duty-bound to respect the land and their natural resources.  Reds from Luberon are smooth, fruity and delicious - think of small ripe berries (blackcurrants, blackberries, raspberries, etc.)  with a spice, minerality elegance and freshness that are distinctive features of this AOC.

Let’s meet the winemaker - Sylvain Morey.  Does the name ring a bell?  He is the son of Jean-Marc Morey, a much adored vigneron in Chassagne-Montrachet, Bourgogne. Jean-Marc has a very personal style that reflects a deep commitment to the concept of terroir, traditional winemaking while staying in harmony with nature. Sylvain was determined to make his own name and create his own mark. He ventured to Luberon in 2002 to establish Bastide du Claux in the heart of Luberon.  Here he acquired 17 hectares of various parcels of 14 varietals. The region’s high altitudes of 400-450m and cooler temperatures compared to the neighboring regions produce racy whites and reds that are still fresh yet have a bite to them.  The estate produces a range of 7 cuvées - red, white and rosé.  This is a winemaker with Burgunidan traditions, history and knowledge all lovingly being applied to varietals and terroir of Southern France. Can you say magical?  Sylvain returned to Burgundy due to his father’s impending retirement to establish his own Domaine in Chassagne-Montrachet. As if he doesn’t already have enough on his plate. He hops back and forth from Bourgogne and Luberon.

Bastide du Claux, "Malacare" Luberon Rouge, 2018 Luberon, Vallee de Rhone, France

It’s a blend of old vines- 50% Syrah (average 30 years), 30% Grenache (average 35 years) and 20% Carignan ( average over 65 years old). The wine is then fermented for 12 months in wood foudres and concrete eggs.  All wines undergo spontaneous fermentation  as well as gentle extraction for reds with minimal human intervention.

This pretty medium ruby colored wine just calls your name to pour a glass immediately. Fresh aromas of ripe strawberry, blackberries, red plums, bramble, mulberry, pepper, leather and lilac. Palate is dry, medium + acid, tannin and body, high alcohol but really well balanced; Medium+ intensity aromas of ripe strawberry, blackberries, mulberry, red plums, bramble, pepper, leather, lilac, herbes de Provence, mint savory black olives 

It’s a red wine that has a soul - it’s fresh, elegant and structured. It has everything that you would want in a well made wine. For under $20 it’s a no brainer.

You want this wine on your table for your next grilled Herbes de Provence & Aleppo Pepper Spiced Bone-In Pork Chops, Blue Cheese topped Petit Sirloin with Wild Mushrooms or Sautéed Chicken Breast Stuffed with Black Olive Tapenade.