# Cuvée Doucinello (2023)

- **Producer:** Domaine Le Sang Des Cailloux
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, Mourvèdre, Cinsault
- **Region:** Rhône, France
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Average price:** €28
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** black cherry, red cherry, lavender, garrigue, peonies, rose petals, cracked pepper, leafy subtleties

## About this wine

Cuvée Doucinello is a red wine from Domaine Le Sang des Cailloux, produced in the Vacqueyras appellation of the Southern Rhône, France. The estate, founded by Serge Férigoule and now managed with his son Frédéri, is named 'Le Sang des Cailloux' ('the blood of the stones') to reflect its connection to the terroir. This particular cuvée is named Doucinello for the 2023 vintage, following a family tradition of naming cuvées after Serge's daughters. The vineyards are situated on the Plateau des Garrigues, characterized by pebble-covered clay-limestone soils. The domaine is committed to organic and biodynamic farming practices.

## Interesting facts

- The estate's name translates to 'the blood of the stones.'
- Each vintage's cuvée is named after a daughter of the winemaker.
- Vineyards are farmed using certified organic and biodynamic methods.
- The wine is bottled unfined and unfiltered.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium-plus body and ripe tannins are well-suited to richer protein dishes, where they can cut through fat and complement the meat's texture. Its savory, herbal notes, reminiscent of the garrigue, find echoes in dishes seasoned with Mediterranean herbs like rosemary and thyme.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for Cuvée Doucinello begins with 100% destemmed grapes, which undergo traditional fermentation in concrete tanks using native yeasts. Daily pumping over is employed for extraction. Following fermentation, the wine is aged for at least 12 months in large oak foudres. The final step involves bottling the wine unfined and unfiltered, preserving its natural character and integrity.