Les Foulards Rouges "Octobre" VDF 2023
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The Land: Les Foulards Rouges "Octobre" VDF 2023 hails from a dynamic tapestry of terroir at the southern end of Languedoc, near the foothills of the Albères mountains. This area features a stark contrast in soil types—from decomposed granite to granitic gneiss—both fostering a distinct minerality and complexity in the wine. The biodynamic and certified organic practices underline a commitment to sustainable viticulture, leveraging the Mediterranean climate to enhance the natural vigor of the vines. The proximity to the Mediterranean Sea imbues the region with a balmy breeze, tempering the summer heat and ensuring a gradual, optimal ripening of the grapes.
The Wine: The "Octobre" is a compelling blend of Grenache and Syrah, showcasing the virtues of whole-cluster fermentation. Aged in used 500-liter barrels before a meticulous hand-bottling in the fall as a Nouveau, crafted through semi-carbonic fermentation. This wine bursts with a lively, fruit-forward palette and mirrors the freshness of Beaujolais yet carries the ripe, warm undertones of the south. Grown on granitic gneiss which adds a peppery and robust backbone with flavors of juicy dark berries, subtle earth, and hints of garrigue herbs, reflective of its Roussillon roots. The wine's structure is supported by a vibrant acidity and a silken tannic grip, leading to a lingering, expressive and spicy finish.
The People: Jean-François Nicq, after a notable tenure as a winemaker in the Côtes du Rhône, ventured to establish Les Foulards Rouges in 2001 alongside Bijan Mohamadi. Their approach is fiercely non-interventionist—no fining, no filtration, no added sulfur, and a reliance on native yeasts and the organic rhythm of nature to dictate the winemaking process. This philosophy, inspired by the militant narratives of Fréderic Fajardie, resonates through their meticulous care of the vineyards, often tended with the help of their mule, Uma. Nicq and Mohamadi's deep respect for the land and their artisanal craft produces wines that are not only authentic expressions of their environment but also vibrant narratives of their minimalistic and thoughtful winemaking philosophy.
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The Rhône Valley is a diverse and historic wine region, divided into two distinct areas. The Northern Rhône is the birthplace of Syrah, with steep, terraced vineyards that produce some of the world's most revered wines, such as those from Hermitage and Côte-Rôtie. The Southern Rhône is much more expansive, offering a wider range of styles, but typically based around Grenache-based blends, with wines from Châteauneuf-du-Pape known for their complexity and power. While the region is celebrated for its reds, it also produces incredible textured whites, and as a whole the region displays the spectrum of French wine and the incredible differences that can come from small geographic changes.
Rhone Valley
Syrah is a dark-skinned grape of French origin, specifically from the Northern Rhône Valley, where it produces some of the world's most powerful and complex wines. Known as Shiraz in Australia, Syrah is capable of displaying a wide range of aromas and flavors. Cool climate Syrahs tend to express floral notes like violets, along with savory elements like olives, while those grown in warmer climates like Australia are more likely to show black pepper and dark fruit notes such as plum. The grape's versatility allows it to adapt to various climates and soil types, but it maintains its unique characteristics no matter where it is planted.
