Maison Ventenac - The Pariah 2023
North of Carcassonne, Maison Ventenac produces straightforward, easy-drinking wines from the Cabardès limestone. Careful cultivation, cool harvests, and restrained vinification create a clean, luminous style focused on drinkability and energy.
The 2023 Paria is the vision of a straightforward and immediate red. Grenache harvested at just the right ripeness, hand-sorted. Partial destemming depending on the batch, short macerations in infusion to favor the juice and the delicacy of the tannins. Indigenous fermentation at controlled temperature. Aged in concrete vats to preserve the crispness and purity of the fruit. Early bottling to capture the momentum of the vintage. Dry wine.
The nose opens with raspberry, wild strawberry, and grenadine, with a hint of white pepper and a touch of garrigue. The palate is juicy and slender, medium-bodied, carried by crisp red fruit. The tannins are fine and smooth, and the tangy structure adds rhythm. The mid-palate gains a nuance of blood orange and light licorice. The finish is clean and savory, with morello cherry, a hint of dried herbs, and a stony note.
At the table, serve slightly chilled with herb-roasted poultry, grilled pork chops, bistro cuisine, preserved vegetables, anchovy pizza, or grilled fish with mild spices. Ideal temperature 14 to 16°C in a tulip glass. Open 20 to 30 minutes before serving or decant briefly to loosen the bouquet. Immediate enjoyment for three to five years depending on the cellar.
Grape variety: Grenache 100%
