Domaine les Terres Promises, "A Ma Guise" 2020

The Path of Hope leads to The Promised Lands. Though this sounds very much like a path to self-actualization, enlightenment, or salvation it really is just directions for Jean-Christophe Comor. His Domaine’s name (Les Terres Promises) translates to the Promised Lands and the name of the road that leads up the side of a mountain to his winery translates to The Path of Hope (Chemin de L’Esperance). This literal/figurative analogy captures more than just a small piece of the arc of the project – it captures a bit of Jean-Christophe’s biography as well. He had led a successful and lengthy career in political circles in France, often doing the hard work of a kind of political sinew, connecting those in public office with citizens, organizing advocacy groups and operating as a liaison for thinktanks. The shift, then, to the south of France – just outside the charming old village of La Roquebrussanne – and to this new era of his life, where he wanted to plant (again figuratively and literally) roots somewhere, represents a bit of the Hope and Promise that went far beyond Parisian offices in his mind. Despite working in the Coteaux Varois of Provence, his wines are entirely unique for the region, containing the garrigue of the south though with such fleetness and purity of fruit you’d think you were drinking something crafted from the northerly slopes of Beaujolais. Awesome wine with feeling!

Vinification: A wild field blend of a wide assortment of grape varietals: Clairette Blanc, Clairette Rose, Carignan Noir, Carignan Blanc, Mourvedre Noir, Mourvedre Blanc, Cinsault, Vermentino, Roussanne, Muscat a Petit Grain, Syrah, Ugni Blanc, Counoise, and Macabeu. Co-fermented in steel and bottled unfined and unfiltered, with just a touch of SO2. 

Tasting: A symphony of grapes came together to concoct a wine that is so pure of fruit, it's almost too easy to drink. Ripe strawberry, sour cherry and a beautifully soft texture. Endlessly drinkable and a perfect chilled red to serve on its own. For the days when the weight of winter is a bit too heavy and you need a reminder that summer is right around the corner.