The blend of this cuvée varies per vintage, and the 2020 is a made from 60% Cinsualt and 40% Grenache. It has a dusty nose, and that earthy, herby quality continues on the palate, where it combines with cranberry and bramble to make a wine filled with character. Cedar and spice notes unerdneath the fruit, silky tannins and a long finish. Stunningly fresh!

Ludovic Engelvin grew up in the Langeudoc, but is most heavily influenced by his time working alongside Didier Dagueneau and the wines of the world he tasted while working as a sommelier. Ludovic believes in growing only the right variety on the right terroir, and declines to use Syrah, instead focusing mainly on Grenache and Mourvèdre. Ludovic calls this wine an “assemblage terroir et cépage”– a blend of terroir and grape. It uses grapes that are growing on what he considers their ideal soils in the Gard appellation, but the exact blend varies by vintage conditions. The name is a play on words and a nod to the famous “Cru” of other French regions, and was born shortly after a break up with Ludovic’s then girlfriend.

Vinification: Forty year-old vines growing in the Gard appellation on clay, limestone and sandstone soils. The grapes are harvested by hand, and vinification takes place in stainless steel tanks using only indigenous yeasts. The wine aged for 6 months in stainless steel and fiberglass before being bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Match it with: Blue cheeses, charcuterie, rare red meats.

• Red
• Grenache Noir, Mourvèdre
• France, Languedoc
• Ludovic Engelvin
• Dry
• Ready to Drink And Will Improve