Wines

The rosé is made via the “saignée” method. The grapes, in this case 100% Syrah, go into a tank for a short period of time, usually overnight. After this short maceration period, the juice bled off has absorbed some color from the skins, but does not carry the dark purple hue that Syrah can produce. The fermentation is long and slow at controlled temperatures. The Giberts have traditionally left a trace of residual sugar in this rosé, believing that it complements the fruit; but, beginning with the 2011 vintage, the wine will be vinified dry to emphasize the true terroir of this very special micro-climate.

Carignan is susceptible to over-production, particularly when the vine is young, compromising quality. Working with Carignan, it is essential to control yields to insure quality, so old bushvines are a must, as is the case with this rare wine made exclusively from old-vines in Corbières. Remarkably distinguished at this level, with a deep color, acidity and plenty of tannins, the fruit is savory and herb-streaked. Named in tribute to Noah, the “first” planter of the vine in biblical narrative.

From a field blend of Syrah, Grenache and Cinsault, the harvest is partially destemmed before going into the fermentation tanks. The different cépages are fermented together, benefiting from the long maceration period to extract the maximum of flavors and allow them to harmonize before being pressed and aged. This is a wine with enormous character often showing a rustic, somewhat “animal” aspect married to a vivacious wild berry symphony of aromas and flavors. This wine is aged entirely in tank without exposure to barrel aging. The severe weather conditions that are present restrict yields and produce a highly concentrated wine that has a track record for ageability.

A special cuvée of Corbières Rouge, the “Syrhconférence de Presse”, is a unique and profound wine. Its name is derived from a play on words that refers to its origin as a “press wine” exclusively from Syrah. Contrary to the traditional Corbières mentioned above, this wine is aged in small oak barrels (not new). The resulting wine is powerful and velvety at the same time. It is rare to find a press wine with this sort of finesse and complexity.