2023 Domaine Chiroulet "Java" Rouge, IGP Cotes de Gascogne

Red wines from Gascogny are far rarer than their white counterparts. These rare red gems comprise only 10% of the total production from the area, which may seem at odds with its location, as this part of France isn’t too far from Bordeaux (less than a 2-hour drive south from Bordeaux). This red captures the typicity of red wines from the region: Cool red and black fruits, touches of soft spices like cinnamon, and a hint of smokiness right at the outset of the wine that blows off with a bit of air. Once this wine starts to open, ripe raspberries and black currant notes meet a distinct undercurrent of minerality, wet stone, and pepper. This little charmer is all about bistro vibes and calls for another glass with a plate of chicken liver pâté and croquettes de courgettes (zucchini fritters). 



Fifth-generation winemaker Philippe Fezas of Domaine Chiroulet likens great wine to music: “The more notes there are, the more beautiful the symphony.” He crafts wines bursting with a dynamic range of flavors and textures while maintaining remarkable affordability.

Located in the gently rolling hills of Armagnac country in Southwest France, Domaine Chiroulet draws its name from *chiroula*, Gascon for “whistling wind,” which ventilates the vineyards in this sunny region. The soils here – a mix of fine clay, limestone, and chalk – infuse the domaine’s renowned white wines with mineral-driven zest.