Domaine Força Réal Schistes 2015 rouge AOP Côtes du Roussillon Villages

In 1258, the new masters of Roussillon, kings of Aragon and Majorca, built a castle to defend the northern border of the region. The castle built by Nunyo Sanch was called "Royal Castle" in Catalan "Força Réal". These lands are sometimes described as a cross between landscapes of Tuscany and Andalusia, and benefit from an excellent exposure to the sun. Jean Paul Henriques renovated the estate and made a bet to replant vines in the local scrubland.

Força Réal ofers one of the most extraordinary panoramic view of the Roussillon. With clayey and stony terraces and dry schistous slopes, the property covers 150 acres. Today, Cyril Henriquès, owner and winemaker, dedicates 90 acres to the culture of vines. Benefiting from a near-perfect sunshine and wind exposure, the Domaine Força Réal produces top quality wines.

60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre: 70+ years old vines. 1000ft. Schists. Very low yields . Deep-rooted old vines which help them to resist the dryness. A concentrated and graceful red, offering ripe currant and cherry coulis notes intertwined with rose petal, mineral and anise accents.  Details of garrigue, baking spice and brooding mineral create depth through the finish. Moderate, supple tannins.

Guide Hachette des Vins One Star !  De prime abord ouvert sur les fruits rouges et les sous-bois, le nez évolue à l'agitation vers le cuir et les fruits confits. Fruits et épices s'imposent dans une bouche intense, aux tanins souples et fins, dynamisée par une pointe de fraîcheur en finale. Bravo !"