Domaine Anne Gros & Jean-Paul Tollot - Minervois - Les Fontanilles - Red - 2023

Wine:

The 2023 red Minervois Les Fontanilles wine is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, and Cinsault grown on marl, sandstone, and limestone soils. Partially aged in barrel, it opens with aromas of black and red berry coulis, layered with hints of bay leaf, thyme, cracked pepper, and subtle floral notes of rose and peony. This captivating complexity is underscored by a refined herbal freshness that perfectly reflects the outstanding 2023 vintage. On the palate, it flows with silky grace, wrapped in a seductive velvety tannin structure that shapes its generous, fleshy core. Remarkably dense and elegant, this southern French red has aging potential of 6 to 8 years—or more for enthusiasts. Decanting or serving in a large glass is recommended. Pair it with flavorful dishes such as seven-hour lamb, osso buco, or beef cheeks. A top pick from the Selection Committee, rated 94/100.

Vinification:

Hand harvested. Total destemming. Aged 50% in barrels and 50% in stainless steel vats.

Color:

Intense, bright red.

Nose:

A fresh aromatic profile of red and black fruit coulis, notes of thyme, bay leaf and pepper mingled with a floral touch of rose and peony.

Palate:

The palate is smooth and velvety, with well-integrated tannins. Dense and elegant, this southern wine retains its balance and freshness despite the warm climate.

Temperature:

Serve at 14–16°C.

Food and wine pairing:

Osso Bucco, beef cheek à la grand-mère, braised beef ribs.

Cellar aging:

From now until 2033

A true Burgundian master, Anne Gros is one of the leading figures of Vosne-Romanée. At the same time, she has set her sights on the Minervois, where limestone and sandstone soils dominate, crafting wines with the same exacting standards—wines of remarkable balance, shaped by her Burgundian expertise.

Together with her husband, Jean-Paul Tollot, they bring a virtuoso touch to the region’s native grape varieties, producing red wines that are paragons of precision, finesse, and elegance.