Wines of Domaine Balma D'Eole
Something Old & Something New - vines that is.
One of the enthralling qualities of the Southern Côtes du Rhône is the regions ability to blend up to 21 varieties, yes 21. Twenty-one different grapes are permitted but Grenache is the dominant player. The percentage varies depending on the appellation. My post is focused is on the reds which most commonly you will find the quintessential GSM or Grenache Syrah Mouvèdre plus Cinsault and Carignan. Rules of the appellation typical of southern Rhône varieties (reds final blend to have a minimum of 66 per cent of at least two of the three principal varieties and must include Grenache Noir , Syrah, Carignan, Cinsault. Key point, they ARE NOT permitted to label a single varietal wine at the village level, which is such a shame given the quality and beauty of their wines. Instead they have to label under an IGP wine, which is generally considered table wine” or “glouglou wine.” I cannot stress this enough, these are high quality wines that are dressed in the emperors new clothes.
Domaine Balma D’Eole is located in Suze La Rousse, part of the Côtes du Rhône Villages appellation area. Check out my previous post for the full experience of my visit, however quick recap their 5 hectares are rganically farmed, sustainable practices with minimal intervention promote less is more mantra. Their remaining 2 hectares are planned for white varieties, olive trees and bee hives to further promote the sustainability of their domaine. Wildflowers and garigue grow amongst the vines all happily amongst the red clay, sandstone soils of this Mediterranean climate.They cultivate 24hl/ha which is much below the required amount, all hand harvested.
Their label soon to be revealed but hint - the depiction represents both their terroir and their family roots, the circle of all elements that create their breathtaking wines.
Their 2022 release which we tasted will consist of:
Côtes du Rhône - Grenache/Carignan
Côtes du RhôneVillage Suze la Rousse - Grenache/Carignan/Syrah
IGP Mediterranée - 100% Grenache, a co-fermentation of 50/50 15 year old and 80 old vines
Vin de France - 100% Syrah
Vin de France - 100% Carignan élevage en barrique
Pale Ruby violet hue Fresh garrigue abound (I saw it firsthand, running wild among the vines, time, rosemary, bay leaves, and lavender. Such a beautiful freshness and parting a savory complex wine. You had the fresh fruit that opened up from the young vines, which then led into the dried complexity of blueberry, dried cherry, wild strawberries, garrigue, black tea, pepper and violet into a longer black olive mint lingering caress of a finish. dried fruit meets fresher, concentration that lingers so long on the pallet. The fresh medium plus acidity in the medium tenants are also while integrated, this is a wine just kept continuing and surprising me with every single moment. The goosebump wow wine.
Many thanks to Thomas and Manon for the unforgettable journey and beautiful wine to savor back home.
