Domaine Les Grands Bois

Marc and Mireille Besnardeau, of Domaine Les Grands Bois, are fourth generation, small family growers, who today cultivate 47 hectares of vines in CDR, CDR villages, Cairanne and Rasteau, with the help of their eldest daughter Phillipine. They have been organic, or “biologique”, since 2011. There is an un-matched purity with Marc’s wines. Each cuvee, whether aged in wood or not, is characterised by elegance and perfume – if anyone ever asks what are the characteristics of a Cairanne (now enjoying its own appellation) and a Rasteau, one need look no further than these wines. Marc neither fines nor filters his wines, preferring them to over-winter before bottling. Fermentation is in cement vat, but ageing varies according to cuvee, with certain wines spending up to 12 months in one year old oak casks. The ‘Cuvee Marc’ is fabulous, a perfect expression of Rasteau. A mix of 50% Grenache, 25% Syrah and 25% Mouvedre, it is rich, intense, dark and loaded with deep black fruits, assorted spices, coffee and a touch of oak. This is a seriously structured wine, with layers of concentrated black fruits, however, it remains harmoniously balanced and refined, with an overarching purity. After 10 years of bottle age, the 2011 is absolutely singing. A complex palate of tertiary flavours, pure fruit, and sweet spices, accompany a rounder and more nuanced palate. Amazing!