Tasting Notes
The full name & appellation of this wine is a bit of a mounthful - Les Chemins de Carabote 'Les Pierres Qui Chantent' Languedoc Terrasses du Larzac. The 2014 vintage sees a change of bottle shape and label - new bottle shot coming soon.
Jean-Yves Chaperon and Nicole Michel are relative newcommers to winemaking, having created Les Chemins de Carabotes in 2006 and taking over 6 hectares of Syrah, Grenache and Carignan vines promised to the local cooperative.
Terrasses du Larzac is a relatively new appellation using local Languedoc grape varieties. This wine is a blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah & 10% Carignan. Wines from the Larzac plateau have a noted fresh acidity thanks to the cool winds there. The soils in the appellation are quite varied; Chemins de Carabote's vineyards contain a lot of stones rounded by the frequent north winds which may account for the name of this wine, 'The Singing Stones'. The stony soils retain heat from the sun and provide richness to the fruit flavours of the grapes. Lowering the yields provides concentration and intensity of aromas & flavours. Jean-Yves and Nicole practice organic farming holding Ecocert certification since 2012.
This is the top wine from Les Chemins - I loved it as soon as I first tasted it. A big wine in terms of intensity and body but these characteristics are balanced with mouth-watering acidity and concentrated fruit flavours. Deep-coloured with intense black fruit and blueberries together with notes of the local herby garrigue, of chocolate, coffee and warm spices. There is a lot going on and a lovely long finish.
Food Pairing
Recommended to drink with charcuterie, paté, cheese, beef, lamb, duck, game
Producer's Notes
Translated "The top of our range: a blend of grapes selected specifically from the vineyard and in which Grenache dominates, with barrel aging for 18 months. The result is length and complexity. The wine is opulent, and freshness always present, with notes of coffee, blueberry and candied cherry. This is the emblematic expression of Terrasses du Larzac: a wild character, but with elegance."
Awards
A reviewer on Vivino calls this "Chateauneuf du Pape but better"
