Located at the foot of the village of Rasteau, Domaine Beau Mistral comprised 28 hectares (about 70 acres), and with the experience of several generations of winemaking under his belt, Jean-Marc Brun took the leap and started making wine in 1999. Extending over most of the village’s land, the vineyard is largely composed of old-vine plots - some of which average 90 years old, and deeply rooted in sloping banks.
Presentation
Presentation
Jean-Marc deliberately stresses his vines to force the vines’ root systems deep into the ground in order to extract the rich minerals found within, a technique which allows for greater terroir expression. In order to maximize quality, harvests are done manually and table sorting is performed. Jean-Marc, always eager to try new things, attempts to combine new techniques with his own savoir-faire, all the while trying to stay true to tradition.
Location
Rasteau
Terroir
The cuvée comes from the village's best south-facing slopes, benefiting from soil of limestone origin covered with rounded pebbles. Because of this rugged character, the vines benefit from plenty of local sunshine.
In the vineyard
Grenache for the structure, from a hundred-year-old vineyard with a low yield, but the grapes are of exceptional quality, the roots plunging deep into the soil and thus making the most of the terroir. Syrah (10%) is used for the color and Mourvèdre (10%) from old vines for the bouquet.
Winemaking
After being de-stemmed, the harvest is placed in vats, where temperatures are carefully monitored during the several-week fermentation. This is followed by several manual punchings of the cap. After fermentation, the wine is aged in oak barrels, with some stirring of the lees to nourish it.
Ageing
60% in vats, 40% in barrels.
Varietals
Syrah : 80%
Grenache noir : 10%
Mourvèdre : 10%
Grenache noir : 10%
Mourvèdre : 10%
Specifications
Alcohol content : 14.5 % vol.
Contains sulphites. Does not contain egg or egg products. Does not contain milk or milk-based products.
Advice
Serving
16°C/61°F
Ageing potential
5 to 10 years
Tasting
Alluring complexities of blackberry and earth lend depth to crisp black plum in this fresh, briskly concentrated red. Made predominantly from Grenache, it offers a savory counterpoint to plusher black-fruit flavors. It’s a full-bodied but crisply composed wine with fine gripping tannins. Enjoy this elegant yet satisfying wine through the next decade.
Food pairings
This fine, racy wine is the perfect accompaniment to game, stewed dishes, red meats and cheeses.
