2008 Domaine de Fabregues, Clos de Canilles, Coteaux du Languedoc

The Domaine Fabregues Winery, Image from Domaine Fabregues

Domaine de Gabregues is run by Carine Despinasse.  It is located in Aspiran with the estate backing up to the Cevennes massif and the Montagne Noire.  The estate is a former chapel, built in 1835, located on the route of the St. Jacques de Compostelle pilgrim route.  Carine bought the estate in 2005 and produced her first vintage in 2006.  She runs the estate herself and her husband runs his own estate.

Carine Despinasse, Image from Promex Wines

The 28 hectares of vineyards are scattered across different soil types.  This includes clay-limestone with pebbles, some of red clay gravel, and a small parcel on pebbles.  This wine is a blend of 50% Carignan, 30% Grenache, and 20% Syrah.  The Carignan vines were planted in 1933.   The grapes are hand-harvested and aged in tank.

This wine was available at MacArthur’s for $13-$15.  It is a solid wine that is appropriately priced.  For a wine from a young estate and the 2008 vintage, it shows great promise for future vintages.  I will definitely grab bottles from the 2009 and 2010 vintages.

2008 Domaine de Fabregues, Clos de Canilles, Coteaux Languedoc
This is a steely wine with impressions of stone, red fruit and lively acidity. The red fruit flavors turn tart as the body rounds out. There is a very light amount of tannins that last through the grapey aftertaste.  I would give this bright wine a year in the cellar to develop.  ** 2014-2017.