From: Cairanne, Southern Rhone, France
Varietal: 50% Grenache, 25% Carignan, 2% Mourvèdre (percentages vary depending on vintage)

Taste: This wine showcases a deep garnet color with purplish highlights. The initial aromas are complex, and after a brief aeration, it reveals scents of stewed small black fruits and candied cherries. We notice a pleasant acidity on the palate balanced by well-presented and structured tannins. This wine delivers notes of black fruits and toasty flavors on the finish. Complex and well-balanced, the finish is long and lingering.



Pairing: This structured wine perfectly matches rich, sauced meats like duck breast with cassis sauce, a slow-cooked, shredded beef ragù or bolognese, a classic Sunday Sauce, meatballs, rich pork ribs in sauce, and grilled meats and vegetables with Mediterranean herbs. Eggplant lasagna or parmesan, harissa and white bean chili, and a sheet-pan mushroom parmigiana are fantastic vegetarian options.

Many thanks to our importer friends at Grape Expectations for the following information. 

Why we love it

• This wine comes from old vines on their 2-hectare estate vineyard in Cairanne. It is produced on clay-limestone hillsides with Southeast exposure.
• This particular terroir is beneficial in all respects for cultivating the vine and producing wine for aging.

• Domaine Fond Croze is truly a family business – any and all of the family are likely to be at the cave when you visit.

About. After returning from World War I, Charles Long first purchased land outside Saint Roman de Malegarde. His son, Raymond, expanded the vineyards once he started full-time in the business, and today, Raymond’s sons Bruno (the winemaker) and Daniel (the vineyard manager) are the 3rd generation.

The Longs produce a wide range of honest and unpretentious wines from their 70 hectares. From 2009, Domaine Fond-Croze follows organic methods.