Viniou Reviews
Jeff Carrel’s Cuvée Vieille Mule 2023 is a red wine from the Côtes Catalanes IGP, set within the sun-drenched expanse of Languedoc-Roussillon. Composed primarily of Grenache, the old vines cultivated for this wine endow it with notable depth and concentration. The 2023 vintage benefited from favourable growing conditions, with warm days and cooler nights allowing a full, nuanced ripening of the fruit. In vinification, careful extraction techniques preserve both the generous fruit profile and the supple tannins, resulting in a wine that offers both immediate pleasure and a certain finesse. Expect a bouquet of ripe black cherries, wild herbs, and subtle spice, underpinned by a touch of minerality that reflects the schistous and clay-limestone soils typical of the area.
The Languedoc-Roussillon region, stretching from the Mediterranean coastline to the foothills of the Pyrenees, is a winemaking heartland known for its remarkable diversity and history. The Côtes Catalanes IGP lies in the eastern Pyrenean foothills, where vines bask under the Mediterranean sun and are tempered by cooling maritime breezes and the Tramontane wind. These conditions, combined with poor, stony soils, encourage low yields and concentrated flavours. Historically influenced by Catalan traditions, the wines of this area are vibrant and expressive, displaying a unity of sun-ripeness and freshness.
Cuvée Vieille Mule is an ideal partner for local dishes such as cassoulet and Catalan grilled lamb with herbal marinade. It also pairs beautifully with tapenade, charcuterie, and hard sheep’s cheeses. The wine’s dark fruit and gentle spice accentuate savoury, slow-cooked meats and Mediterranean vegetables roasted with garlic and herbs.
For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine at 16-18°C. Decanting for about thirty minutes will allow the aromas to blossom and soften the tannins, revealing its full character and complexity. This red is delicious now for its primary fruit but can also be cellared for a few years to develop additional savoury nuances.
