Savoie, France
Vin de Savoie
The Savoie region of France is near the interesting junction of the Aosta Valley in the Northeast of Italy and neighbouring Switzerland. To the average wine drinker, this region is virtually unknown - as are the many compelling and unique varietals that exist here. You'll find 23 varietals planted in Savoie with 5 white and 2 red grapes at the heart of production.
In this instance, the red grape Mondeuse is used in the bottling of Paradoxe. The Richels tend a 1.5 acre vineyard of 50-55 year old vines planted on clay-limestone soils with organic farming principles and low-intervention winemaking deployed at the winery. The wine spends about 2 years in used oak barrels ahead of bottling.
This has a deep purple colour with great structure (acidity and tannins). The aromatics are perfumed with red fruits and violets intertwined. On the palate, it opens up to ripe black cherries and violets with a generous dollop of pepper on the finish. There's a slight overtone of game but it's quite delicate and pushes the sweet fruits towards a slightly savoury finish. The acidity is evident and fresh with a smooth and light impression of tannins.