From: Savoie, France
Varietal: Mondeuse
Taste: On the nose, it exudes a heady bouquet of fresh red fruits, with bright notes of cherries and red currants, underpinned by a subtle hint of white pepper. As it opens up, dark plum undertones add depth, with an elegant, mineral undertone. The palate is both juicy and medium-bodied. The fruit flavors resonate with the aromatic profile, delivering a generous dose of ripe, red fruit complemented by a touch of spiciness. The wine's fine-grained tannins, balanced acidity and minerality ensures a refreshing and persistent finish, inviting you back for another sip.
Pairing: When it comes to food pairings, the 2021 Domaine de L'Idylle Mondeuse Le Tithonien is as versatile as it is delightful. The wine's combination of ripe red fruit flavors and a hint of spice beautifully complements grilled dishes, BBQs, and hearty roasts. The subtle smokiness of a good grill balances its fruity vivacity while the richness of roasted meats echoes its depth.
Other options include dishes that incorporate roasted potatoes and onions, or grilled Portobello mushrooms, rich casseroles and beef stew. As for international fare, Lebanese stuffed eggplant (check out the recipe below) or an Italian cheese with some spices and herbs pair exceptionally well with the Mondeuse, their robust flavors matching the wine's structured tannins and rich fruitiness. In traditional Swiss cuisine, try a plate of brisolée - grilled chestnuts served with cheese, ham, and dried meat from the Valais region.
Maureen Abood’s Eggplant With Lamb, Tomato and Pine Nuts
Recipe from Maureen Abood
Adapted by Melissa Clark
About. Nestled in the heart of the Alpine region, Savoie has long been the gateway to an underrated but magical world of viticulture. Straddling the Swiss border and lying along the serpentine path of the Rhone River, Savoie, though primarily known for its white varietals, also has a few exceptional reds to offer, the Mondeuse being one of them. It's a grape that's found a beloved home in the vineyards of Domaine de L’Idylle.
Stretching across the awe-inspiring landscapes of Eastern France, Savoie captivates with its rugged terrain, crystalline lakes, and protected mountain ranges. A unique confluence of geographic conditions, including the heat-retaining limestone-based soils and moderating influences of lakes Bourget and Geneva, and the upper Rhône River, contribute to the region's distinct viticultural character.
Managed by the Tiollier family since 1840, Domaine de L'Idylle has proven to be the embodiment of resilience and constant evolution. Its name, which translates to "love story," is emblematic of the family's enduring love affair with wine. From the first of many accolades garnered in 1920, to the important milestone of on-site bottling introduced by André Tiollier and his wife Henriette, Domaine de L'Idylle has always remained at the forefront of Savoie's wine scene.
Fast forward to today, and the reins have been passed on to Sylvain Tiollier, who alongside his father Philippe and uncle François, is continuing the legacy. The triumvirate is known for their unwavering commitment to tradition, coupled with a hint of modernity that's seen them breathe new life into abandoned vine parcels, whilst integrating state-of-the-art equipment into their ancient cellars.
The Tiolliers' dedication to the art of winemaking shines in the 2021 Domaine de L'Idylle Mondeuse Le Tithonien. Crafted from the idiosyncratic Mondeuse varietal, the wine embraces the distinct characteristics bestowed by Savoie's alpine terroir. The grapes, grown on steep, south-facing slopes, enjoy favorable sunlight and excellent drainage, ripening to perfection despite the region's cold continental climate. Maturing in stainless steel vats and locally produced oak barrels, the resulting wine is a delightful representation of its birthplace.
Sommelier Austin Ferrari's praise of Mondeuse speaks volumes about the untapped potential of this varietal. With a taste profile that beautifully balances the spiciness of Cabernet Franc with the flavor characteristics of Gamay, Mondeuse is a varietal that truly captures the palate with its fruit-rich vivacity and subtly tannic edge. Despite being relatively unknown, it's finding its way onto discerning wine lists across the United States, due largely to its unique charm.
The 2021 Domaine de L'Idylle Mondeuse Le Tithonien manifests this charm impeccably. The wine bursts with bright berry scents and savory red fruit flavours, making it an excellent accompaniment to a plate of cheese, charcuterie, or a hearty raclette on a cold evening. Its supple and sapid palate teems with the taste of hedgerow fruit, backed by fine-grained tannins, making it a warming antidote to a strenuous day on the ski slopes.
The wine's vibrant purple color, typical of a Mondeuse, and its notes of red fruits are evidence of its exceptional cultivation conditions. Located on the steep hills of Combe de Savoie, the vineyard boasts a majestic view of the Alps. On the palate, this Mondeuse is juicy and medium-bodied with remarkable freshness, an embodiment of unadulterated pleasure.
As Roger Voss of Wine Enthusiast notes, the 2020 vintage, grown on chalk soil, features "fine acidity and layers of spice. Minerality adds further texture." With the 2021 Domaine de L'Idylle Mondeuse Le Tithonien, you're set to experience a wine with comparable qualities, promising an intriguing journey into the heart of Savoie's viticulture. The Domaine de L'Idylle story continues to unfold, one sip at a time.