DOMAINE FONTANEL 2007 Rancio Sec 'L'Ancetre' (Cotes Catalanes, FR)

Made of Grenache Blanc. This is a rare example of one of the oldest forms of winemaking, once found throughout the Mediterranean and now preserved by Catalan tradition on both sides of the French-Spanish border. The grapes are hand harvested and fermented with native yeasts, without fortification. Exposed to elements and ages for many years in partially-filled oak barrels, the resulting wine has what the Roussillon locals call 'le gout de soleil' (the taste of the sun). Dry and concentrated, with complex flavors of walnuts, cocoa and curry spices. .