Domaine Roc des Anges - Unic 2023
The Domaine Roc des Anges, located in Montner in the Pyrénées-Orientales, at the foot of the Força Réal, is today one of the major signatures of the IGP Côtes Catalanes. Certified in organic farming since 2008 and in biodynamics since 2011 (Biodyvin), the estate is managed with a constant search for harmony between the soil, the plant, and its environment. Natural preparations nourish the vine without artifices or shortcuts, in a demanding and respectful approach to life. The dry and windy climate of Roussillon acts as a natural ally, limiting diseases and reducing interventions. The vineyard is mainly composed of Catalan grape varieties, grenache gris, blanc and noir, maccabeu, carignan blanc, gris and noir, often from massal selections. Spread over 84 sometimes century-old plots, the vines plunge their roots into ancient friable schists, poor and draining, which force the plant to seek its balance deeply.
The cuvée Unic 2023 is made exclusively from Grenache Noir, coming from a vine planted in 1991 on the northern slope of Força Réal. The superficial soils of ancient schists, covered with a thin sandy layer, give the wine tension and precision. Yields are controlled around 25 hl/ha, favoring concentration and aromatic purity. The harvest is done manually in 20 kg crates, at the end of August 2023, to preserve the integrity of the fruit. The vinification relies on indigenous yeasts, in concrete tanks, with whole berries, to respect the matter and identity of the grape variety. With a measured degree of 13%, this cuvée favors balance and the truest expression of the place.
On tasting, Unic 2023 reveals a fine and vibrant expression of schist Grenache. The nose opens with fresh red fruits, Mediterranean herbs, and a subtle spicy touch. The palate is loose, precise, and energetic, supported by a marked mineral frame. The balance between freshness and depth gives the wine a unique elegance and great drinkability. It is recommended to decant it about 30 minutes before serving to allow it to fully open up. With a potential aging capacity of about 7 years, it will gain complexity while retaining its characteristic tension.
Grape variety: 100% Grenache Noir
