From: Sabran, Southern Rhône Valley, France
Varietal: Grenache, Syrah
Taste: This pours a medium to deep ruby hue, reflecting its Grenache dominance. On the nose, it reveals a vibrant bouquet of ripe red fruits like cherry and raspberry, layered with subtle floral notes, hints of Mediterranean herbs, and a touch of spice. The palate is a balance of juicy red berries, accented by subtle notes of black pepper and garrigue herbs. Fine-grained tannins and well-integrated acidity support its medium body, ending in a refreshing, lingering finish.
Pairing: This Vin de France Rouge pairs beautifully with grilled lamb chops with rosemary and garlic, a Mediterranean classic that complements the wine’s herbal and red fruit notes. With its stewed Provencal vegetables and tomato base, Ratatouille mirrors the wine’s bright acidity and subtle spice. Pasta alla Puttanesca, rich with tomatoes, olives, capers, and anchovies, plays off the wine’s savory and tangy profile. Lastly, grilled tuna steak with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh herbs offers a coastal French touch, balancing the wine’s vibrant fruit and refreshing finish.
This Vin de France Rouge pairs well with grilled or roasted meats like lamb or pork, especially when seasoned with Mediterranean herbs that mirror its garrigue notes. Its bright acidity complements tomato-based dishes such as ratatouille, pasta with marinara, or rustic pizzas. The wine’s juicy red fruit and subtle spice also suit lighter fare like grilled chicken, sausage, or lentil stew. For cheese, try aged Gouda, Manchego, or mild goat cheese to balance its fresh, vibrant character.
About. Originally from Sicily, Carlo La Rocca lived and worked in France as a petrochemical engineer. By 2018, he found himself increasingly unfulfilled by the corporate world, feeling the pull of a deeper connection to nature and a long-standing passion for wine. Determined to make a significant life change, Carlo left his successful engineering career behind and relocated to the southern Rhône Valley, drawn to the region's natural beauty and winemaking. He purchased an initial 1.2-hectare plot of old vines in the commune of Sabran, a location characterized by its sandy and silty soils, which impart a distinct freshness and elegance to the wines. Over the following years, Carlo expanded his holdings to 4.25 hectares, cultivating Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, and a notable proportion of Counoise—an unusual but significant choice that reflects his desire to produce wines with balance, finesse, and a sense of place.
