Domaine de Fontsainte

Centurion

AOC Corbières

2003

 

Vintage: Although summer temperatures were only average (harvesting began around September 20 and the grapes matured late), happily a strong north wind blew after the equinox of September 21 resulting in beautifully concentrated fruit.

 

Soil
Silica-clay-limestone; gritty and gravely with some pudding stones.
Grapes
70% Carignan - 70 yrs old; 30% Grenache Noir.
Vinification
The grapes, which come from 4 micro-parcels (representing 4 ha in total) are hand-picked, selected and placed whole into the vat for a temperature-controlled anaerobic carbonic maceration lasting 17 days. Pressing is slow and delicate. The wine stays 6 months in the vat before being placed in barrels.
Maturing
12 months in French oak barrels. Then finishing in the bottle in the domain's cellars before being sold.
Production 12000 bottles only.
   
Eye
Dark and almost opaque purple with ink-coloured tints. The thick legs slowly run down the glass.
Nose
Opulent and richly complex: aromas of cherry jam at first, followed by caramelised apples and spices such as vanilla and cinnamon. Next come notes of freshly grilled almonds and cacao pods.

 

  Palate

 
Warmly rich and vivid in the mouth. The elegant tannins and the density of the fruit combine voluptuously, giving a perfect balance. Great elegance is completed at length with notes of torrefaction and pine resin.
  In summary
Such a high-quality wine merits a dish to match its standing, such as carefully prepared game, or a braised tournedos... And don't hesitate to serve it with cheese, like a Saint-Marcelin or a perfectly mature Brie de Meaux!
   

  Serve at

16°c.

  Keeps

A wine for laying down par excellence, it will improve for 10 years more.

  Alcohol

 13% vol.
   

 Presentation

 Bordeaux bottle Sommeliere feuille morte
Natural cork 44 x 24
Case of 6 or 12 bottles laying with dividers
100 cases of 6 or 50 cases of 12 per pallet.

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