Review: Val d'Iris 2012 Grand Foudre
- vinterest
- Dec 29, 2014
- 1 min read
The low-down: We visited this small, rustic Provence producer in December of this year. They are named after the iris plantations that were grown in the area for perfume. Their cellar door is a bit difficult to find, located near the village of Seillans. The proprietor Anne Dor used to be a vet and acquired the 8 ha plot in 1999.
Like Dominique Hauvette, whose Les Hauters we opened yesterday, the blend (100% merlot) is atypical for Provence and therefore isn't granted the Cotes de Provence (AOC) status. Instead it settles for the more modest Vin du Pays du Var.
Nevertheless, this number is their flagship red and sells for E20 at the cellar door - yes we know a bit exxy for Provence. The name translates directly as the Great Lightning but Foudre is a reference to the large oak barrels Anne ages this wine in. This wine is only bottled in exceptional vintages with the last being 2007. This vintage can age up to ten years, but we couldn't wait that long!
The take: On appearance, a medium, leggy blackcurrant. On the nose, gamey, polished, minerally, hints of tomato soup. On the attack, rich, thick, not shy! Good tannins balance the blackberry and cherry with hints of spice.
In closing: Vivid, very smooth, fruity.
Rating: 8 out of 10.
Fact corner:
Country: France
Region: Vin du Pays du Var
Producer: Val d'Iris
Vintage: 2012
Grape: Merlot
Alcohol content: 13.5%
Serving temperature: n/a
Price range: Mid-range
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