2019 Domaine Les Aphillanthes "Promesse" Gigondas, Rhône Valley, France

ABOUT THIS WINE

Biodynamically farmed, this wine is deep purple in the glass. Nose of plum and lavender, with subtle tobacco accents. Full-bodied with bold dark fruit flavors, high acidity, and medium-plus tannins. Flavors of baking spice, plum, and mineral that carry through the the finish.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

The initial reason why Daniel and Hélène Boulle decided to convert to organic and biodynamic wine production was their attempt to use natural methods in order to treat their son’s eczema (as good a reason as any). They received both their Biodivin certification, for adopting biodynamic practices, and their Ecocert, for growing organically, in 2007, five years after starting to move away from conventional methods.

The 30 hectares Domaine Les Aphillanthes, near Gigondas in the Rhône Valley, is now famed for its low level of intervention, creating wines with a fine minerality that truly express the terroir. Well known their quality of fruit, Daniel and Hélène keep only the finest 80 per cent of grapes produced and they sell the rest. They tend to limit themselves to 130,000 bottles every year and produce yields of about 25-30hl/ha, significantly less than the locally allowed 45hl/ha. In fact, the domain is so committed to quality, it is even prepared to skip a vintage entirely if it is not up to standard.