2018 Les Frieys - Domaine du Pas de l'Escalette

The Les Frieys 2018 cuvée is a single-plot selection from a unique terroir of limestone scree terraces, located at an altitude of 350 meters at the foot of the Larzac. This wine stands out for its original grape blend, dominated by old Cinsault vines supplemented by Grenache and Syrah. In 2018, a vintage marked by a wet spring followed by a dry summer, the estate was able to preserve the brightness of the fruit through biodynamic farming and the cool night air descending from the causse.

Visually, the wine displays a vibrant ruby color with beautiful transparency. The nose is highly distinguished, favoring aromatic finesse over extraction. It reveals notes of tangy red berries (redcurrant, sour cherry), dried flowers, and a touch of white pepper, typical of old Cinsault grown on limestone. The long aging process in large oak foudres respects the integrity of the fruit without imparting woody notes, promoting a silky texture.

On the palate, Les Frieys 2018 is defined by its elegance and verticality. The attack is ethereal, almost like an infusion, revealing a delicate substance and a tannic structure of great suppleness. The finish is marked by a saline tension and a mentholated freshness that makes it highly drinkable. It is a wine that breaks away from powerful Languedoc standards to offer a refined, almost northern interpretation of the Terrasses du Larzac terroir.