# Le Tigre (2023)

- **Producer:** Château des Adouzes
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Carignan, Grenache, 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, blackberry, raspberry, black pepper

## About this wine

Château des Adouzes was acquired in 2018 by siblings Jeanne and Olivier Coste, whose family has been making wine in the Languedoc region since 1701. Situated in the high-altitude village of Roquessels within the Faugères AOP, the estate is renowned for its steep, schistous slopes that impart distinct minerality and freshness to the grapes. The cuvée name 'Le Tigre' symbolizes power, balance, and wild elegance, crafted from organically farmed vines, including Carignan and Grenache vines up to 70 years old.

## Interesting facts

- The name 'Le Tigre' represents wild elegance and power derived from Faugères' schist soils.
- The Coste family has been crafting wine in the Languedoc since 1701 across nine generations.
- Carignan for this cuvée comes from old vines up to 70 years old and undergoes carbonic maceration.

## Food pairing

The ripe dark fruit, vibrant schist acidity, and supple tannins of this Faugères red make it ideal for flavorful grilled and roasted meats. The natural freshness cuts through rich fats, while subtle herb and pepper accents complement dishes seasoned with thyme, rosemary, or garlic.

## Wine making process

Harvested at peak maturity, the grapes are 100% destemmed and vinified separately by grape variety. The Carignan undergoes carbonic maceration with whole clusters to extract juicy fruitiness, while the Syrah and Grenache are subjected to traditional skin contact maceration for 20 to 30 days. The wine is aged for 12 months in concrete and stainless steel tanks without oak exposure, preserving pure varietal character and natural schist-driven acidity.