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L’effet papillon comes from selected parcels of Grenache and Syrah, grown in the weathered schist of the Agly Valley, not far from Domaine le Roc des Anges itself. In the glass, this wine has a glistening, blue-purple color, almost opaque at the center. Vibrant aromas of rhubarb, blueberry preserves, fresh cracked pepper, and red cherries seasoned with baking spices move in and out of the background as the wine evolves in the glass. On the palate, the wine has a rich, velvety, liqueur-like texture, with a fine core of sweet black fruit and spices that echoes the nose, and puts on weight as the wine evolves in the glass. The finish is bright and mineral, with ripe, silky tannins and plenty of freshness and vibrancy.
Drink now for its juicy primary fruit, or keep in a cool cellar for up to three years. This could be the most versatile, go to red wine of the season.
About this wine producer: By helping the local cooperative's growers understand the benefits of sustainable farming, limited yields and harvesting before the grapes are over mature, Marjorie and Stéphane Gallet are aiming to raise the general quality of wine in their appellation. The wine comes from selected parcels, grown in the stony, red clay soil of Rivesaltes, just 15 km from the Mediterranean. “Stéphane has the hardest job,” Marjorie told me. “He needs to be sensitive, but insistent, when he makes decisions that the growers don’t understand, like limiting the yield and harvesting before the grapes are overmature. And he needs every skill of diplomacy when he’s supervising the winemaking at the co-op.” It’s demanding work, but the result is now ten vintages of the finest wines ever made at the Cave Coopérative de Rivesaltes.
$14.00
Very good