# Le Grand Noir Les Deux Aristos Cabernet Syrah (2020)

- **Producer:** Le Grand Noir
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah
- **Region:** Languedoc-Roussillon, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €10
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blackcurrant, bell pepper, blackberry, black pepper, vanilla

## About this wine

Le Grand Noir 'Les Deux Aristos' is an unconventional French blend from the IGP Pays d'Oc region in Languedoc-Roussillon. Created through a collaboration between wine critic Robert Joseph, winemaker Hugh Ryman, and label designer Kevin Shaw in partnership with Celliers Jean d'Alibert, the brand embraces a 'black sheep' philosophy. The moniker refers to breaking traditional regional rules by blending Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah to produce a modern, food-friendly style inspired by New World fruit purity.

## Interesting facts

- Created by wine critic Robert Joseph, winemaker Hugh Ryman, and designer Kevin Shaw.
- Features a black sheep on the label to symbolize breaking traditional French winemaking conventions.
- Awarded a Grand Gold Medal at the Berlin Wine Trophy for the 2020 vintage.

## Food pairing

The plush texture and supple tannins of this red blend make it ideal for rich, protein-dense dishes like grilled meats and aged cheeses. The structure cutely complements savory fat without overpowering delicate flavors or clashing with iron content.

## Wine making process

Grapes are harvested mechanically at night from vineyards situated between 100 and 400 meters elevation to preserve fruit freshness. The Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah varieties are vinified separately, beginning with a period of cold pre-fermentation maceration followed by skin fermentation lasting approximately two weeks. Winemakers strictly limit the use of press wine to maintain a supple texture. The wine undergoes maturation for six months in a combination of French and American oak barrels.