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Ego Côtes du Roussillon Villages

Ego Côtes du Roussillon Villages

Region

AOP Côtes de Roussillon Villages

Viticultural Notes

Grapes are sourced form selected parcels in the Côtes de Roussillon Villages of Latour de France and Caramany, along the Arly river valley. Some of the family's grenache vines date back to 1909, while the majority are 40-60 years of age. The inland position of the vineyards creates a slightly more continental-Mediterranean climate with greater variance between daytime and nighttime temperatures. Grapes are hand-harvested in upwards to 5 passes through the vineyards to ensure optimal stage of ripeness of each and every cluster. The limestone-rich vineyard parcels selected for Ego contribute to the wines acidity, finesse and fine grained tannins, making it very approachable in its youth.

Vintage Notes

2017 Vintage: The winter months (January through March) were significantly more wet than usual, which was welcomed with open arms after the very dry finish to the 2016 vintage. The spring was warmer than average which forced bud break 9 days ahead of schedule, and as a result the region was impacted by the hard frost suffered across much of Europe in 2017. The summer was very warm with dry conditions which favoured the balance ripening of the grapes with sugars and acidities in equilibrium. The warm spring did push harvest ahead by about 15 days. Low yields combined with perfect ripeness resulted in red wines that are concentrated, complex with sufficient structure from thanks to the ripe but firm tannins and backbone of acidity.

2014 Vintage: The winter was cool and the spring warmer than usual, which forced bud break ahead of schedule. Thankfully there were no major weather events that impacted the buds, flowering or fruit set. The summer was drier than average with 40% lower rainfall recorded in the region. Drought resistant varieties fared well. Periodic thunderstorms in August helped to replenish water tables and aid ripening. The harvest period was successful with no major issues, although ripening was more staggered than usual, likely due to the dry conditions early in the season. Over the vintage can be described as classic with very good balance of fruit, acidity and structure with good aging potential.

Wine

Ego Côtes du Roussillon Villages

Estate

Domaine Cazes

Varietal

40% Grenache, 40% Syrah, 20% Mourvèdre

Region

AOP Côtes de Roussillon Villages

Vineyard

Côté Terre

Vine Age

40-60+ years

Soil

Clay-limestone with schist and pebbles

Farming

Certified Organic and Biodynamic

Fermentation

Total destemming prior to fermenation at 28C in cement vats with pump overs three to four times per day. Maceration on skins for 4 weeks.

Aging

Aging in cement for one year. Bottle aging for 18 months prior to release.

Alcohol

14.5%

Production

25,000 bottles



Other wines by this producer

Ego Côtes du Roussillon Villages

Grapes: 40% Grenache, 40% Syrah, 20% Mourvèdre

Vine age: 40-60+ years

Soil: Clay-limestone with schist and pebbles

Farming: Certified Organic and Biodynamic

view details

Alter Côtes de Roussillon Villages

Grapes: 50% Syrah, 40% Mourvèdre, 10% Grenache

Vine age: 50 years

Soil: Stony clay with chalky deposits

Farming: Certified Organic and Biodynamic

view details

Le Credo

Grapes: 40% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, 20% Syrah, 10% Carignan

Vine age: 45-100+ years

Soil: Clay-limestone with round pebbles and schist

Farming: Certified Organic and Biodynamic

view details

Castell d'Agly Maury Sec

Grapes: 80% Grenache, 20% Carignan

Vine age: 50-80 years

Soil: Black schist

Farming: Certified Organic and Biodynamic

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Rivesaltes Grenat

Grapes: 100% Grenache Noir

Vine age: 30 years.

Soil: Clay-limestone with schist and pebbles

Farming: Certified Organic and Biodynamic

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Cuvée Aimé de Cazes Rivesaltes

Grapes: 80% Grenache Blanc, 20% Grenache Noir

Vine age: 50 years

Soil: Clay-limestone with schist and pebbles

Farming: Certified Organic and Biodynmic

view details