Joli Vin imports

Minervois, La Nine

Borrowed from the Spanish language referring to the youthful and playful quality of this cuvée. Principally old-vine Grenache (50 years) and Carignan (100 years) with small contributions of Cinsault, Mourvedre and Syrah.

Put your nose in the glass and get acquainted with the flavors that one encounters as you inch your way south, toward the Roussillon and toward the Spanish frontier. The strong aromas first encountered recall peat, wet humus and beef blood. A savory mix, no doubt. However, on the palate, dark, ripe black fruit flavors find their voice and offer a counterpoint alongside a brightness of acidity and mouthwatering juiciness which carries the kaleidoscope of flavors along to a lengthy and satisfying finish. Worth noting that the La Nine maintains a lithe 13% alcohol level which serves, in spite of its mix of dark earthy flavors, to keep the wine light on its feet without the heat or heaviness that so many of the wines from this region can sometimes possess.

Jean-Baptiste Senat fact sheet (PDF)