# Cros des Calades Le Ballon Rouge (2022)

- **Producer:** Cros des Calades
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Grenache, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon
- **Region:** Vin de France, France
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €20
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now
- **Serving temperature:** 14–16 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** raspberry, red plum, cherry

## About this wine

Le Ballon Rouge 2022 is a red wine from the Vin de France appellation, produced by Cros des Calades, a project by Florence and Benoît Chazallon of Château de la Selve. The wine is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon, grown on clay-limestone soils in the Southern Rhône Valley's Ardèche region. The producers are committed to organic farming and a philosophy of minimal intervention. The name 'Cros des Calades' references the local Ardèche landscape.

## Interesting facts

- The name 'Cros des Calades' means 'pathway in the gorge' in the Ardèche dialect.
- Vines average 30 years old, contributing to fruit concentration.
- The wine is unfiltered and unfined, preserving its natural character.
- It's a versatile wine often referred to as a 'party wine' or 'all-rounder'.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium body and gentle tannins are well-suited to complement the protein in dishes like lamb and pork. Its fruit-forward character can stand up to richer flavors, while its freshness cuts through fattiness. The earthy notes in dishes like lentil pie can echo subtle nuances in the wine.

## Wine making process

Le Ballon Rouge 2022 is produced using grapes fermented with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel tanks for 20 days via an infusion method. Following fermentation, the wine is aged for 6 months in stainless steel. The winemaking process emphasizes minimal intervention, with the wine being unfiltered and unfined. The grapes are sourced from vines averaging 30 years old, grown on clay-limestone soils.