# Equinox Red Blend (2021)

- **Producer:** Domaine Fondugues-Pradugues
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Grenache
- **Region:** Provence, France
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 13.0%
- **Average price:** €45
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blackberry, plum, blackcurrant, herbaceous, black pepper, smoke, cedar, charred wood, dried fig, leather

## About this wine

Domaine Fondugues-Pradugues is located at the foot of the historic village of Ramatuelle on the Saint-Tropez peninsula in Provence. Tracing its roots back to 1964, the estate is managed by American winemaker Stephen Roberts and C-H Sans. It holds the distinction of being the only certified organic and biodynamic estate on the Saint-Tropez peninsula. The name Fondugues derives from local patois for underground aquifers, which naturally cool the vines at night. Equinox was first produced in 2014 as the winery's premier flagship red cuvee.

## Interesting facts

- It is from the only certified organic and biodynamic estate on the Saint-Tropez peninsula.
- The local word 'ugues' refers to underground aquifers that cool the vineyards by 5°C at night.
- Harvesting is conducted exclusively at night in small 12 kg crates to preserve natural acidity.

## Food pairing

This full-bodied Provencal red pairs exceptionally well with rich, savory meats and earthy dishes. Its structured tannins and crisp acidity cut through the richness of lamb, beef stews, and aged cheeses, while its herbal garrigue notes complement local herbs like rosemary and thyme.

## Wine making process

Grown on fluvial alluvium soils composed of sand, silt, and river pebbles near the Mediterranean Sea. Hand-harvested at night in 12 kg crates to retain freshness, the 100% destemmed fruit undergoes spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks and 500L French oak barrels. Following complete malolactic fermentation, the wine is aged for 14 months in a combination of new and old French oak barrels and stainless steel tanks. It is bottled unfined and unfiltered with minimal sulfur additions.