Wines Côtes Catalanes Calmel & Joseph - La Fabrique Vieix Carignan - 2023

Viniou Reviews

Calmel & Joseph’s Cuvée La Fabrique Vieix Carignan 2023 is an expressive red wine that showcases the exceptional qualities of old vine Carignan from the Côtes Catalanes IGP in the Languedoc and Roussillon region. Crafted exclusively from Carignan grapes grown on mature vines, this cuvée reflects careful selection and a respectful approach to vinification, designed to preserve both varietal character and depth. The 2023 vintage experienced favourable growing conditions: warm days and cool nights, which allowed for excellent ripening, while maintaining vibrancy and freshness. The wine displays a deep garnet colour, whilst offering an aromatic nose of ripe black fruit, wild herbs, and subtle spicy notes. On the palate, expect concentrated blueberry and blackberry, with hints of garrigue, liquorice, and a pleasing mineral structure, all held together by fine tannins and bright acidity.

The Côtes Catalanes IGP, located in the foothills of the Eastern Pyrenees, benefits from a Mediterranean climate marked by long hours of sunshine, dry summers and the influence of mountain breezes. The vineyards are planted on rocky, schistous soils intermingled with clay and limestone, which impart a distinctive minerality and ensure good drainage. This region has a rich viticultural heritage, with Carignan being well-suited to its arid conditions and rugged terrain. The tradition of working with old vines extends to over a century in some plots, resulting in wines with remarkable concentration and character.

For food pairings, this Carignan’s bold yet elegant structure makes it an excellent match for hearty dishes. Traditional regional options would include Catalan-style grilled lamb spiced with rosemary, cassoulet, or wild boar stew. It also pairs beautifully with charcuterie, slow-cooked beef, or even an aubergine gratin with Mediterranean herbs for vegetarians. Hard cheeses such as aged Cantal or Comté will also complement the wine’s robust profile.

To enjoy this wine at its best, serve slightly cool but not chilled, ideally between 16 and 18°C. Decanting for around 30 minutes will help reveal its aromatic complexity and soften the tannins, making for a more expressive tasting experience. This vintage may be enjoyed now for its fresh fruit and energy, or cellared for a few years to allow greater depth and nuance to develop.