Beautifully Blended – The Art of Vinification

Grenache and Syrah have been rooted and blended for centuries in the south of France. The combination of supple, juicy Grenache and structured, peppery Syrah, prove to be extremely successful and balanced. Wines made from this blend typically have aromas of stewed plums, black cherries, blueberries, black olives and even a hint of spiced dark chocolate.

It takes countless years to an entire lifetime before someone can master the art of wine blending, combining technical analysis with generations of knowledge. Some blends take as many as 50 tries before the recipe is perfected. However, that specific blend can only be used throughout one season, as the next year’s grapes will vary in ripeness due to new weather conditions. Unless grapes are grown in a perfectly controlled environment with no variations, it’s impossible to replicate the recipe perfectly as each year passes.

Located in the heart of the Languedoc, just 1 km east of the small village of Saint-Chinian, Domaine Moulinier covers 40-hectares divided into small parcels nestled in the hillsides of a lush Mediterranean terroir. Winemaker Stéphane Moulinier joined the farm in 1994 and continues a profession traced by 5 generations.

His father, Guy Moulinier, who took over the family farm in 1978, broke with traditional viticulture in the early 80s to embark on a venture of Grand Vin. He planted the first Syrah vines in the region and was the first to leave the local cooperation to start Domaine Moulinier.

Domaine Moulinie Les Sigillaires 2016
70% Syrah 30% Grenache $39.99 per bottle

Nose

Violets, sweet spice, crushed berries and red licorice.

Taste

Complex and structured with lively acidity and silky tannins. Black currant, blueberry and dried Mediterranean herbs.

Pairing

Charred venison burgers with cave-aged gruyere and an elderberry compote.

Check out our interview with the winemaker!