# Mire La Mer (2019)

- **Producer:** Les Clos Perdus
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Mourvèdre, Carignan, Grenache
- **Region:** Languedoc-Roussillon, France
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Average price:** €25
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blackberry, plum, blackcurrant, violet, herbaceous, black pepper, smoke, cedar, leather, game, forest floor, dried fig

## About this wine

Les Clos Perdus was established in 2003 by Paul Old and Hugo Stewart, who set out to discover and revive old, neglected vineyards in the Languedoc-Roussillon region. Mire La Mer, which translates to 'Look at the Sea,' is sourced from low-yielding, old vines grown in the maritime climate of Corbières. The estate is highly regarded for its strict adherence to biodynamic farming and minimal-intervention winemaking, capturing the wild, rugged essence of the Mediterranean coastline.

## Interesting facts

- The name 'Mire La Mer' translates to 'Look at the Sea,' referencing the vineyards' close proximity to the Mediterranean coast.
- Les Clos Perdus was founded by an Australian dancer, Paul Old, and a British farmer, Hugo Stewart, who fell in love with Languedoc's old vines.
- The estate practices strict biodynamic farming, using herbal teas and preparations to maintain vine health without synthetic chemicals.

## Food pairing

The robust structure, rustic tannins, and dark fruit profile of this Mourvèdre-dominant blend require rich, savory dishes. High-protein meats like lamb or wild game help soften the firm tannins, while the herbal notes in the wine beautifully mirror Mediterranean herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage.

## Wine making process

The grapes are hand-harvested from biodynamically farmed vineyards planted on clay-limestone soils. Fermentation occurs spontaneously with indigenous yeasts in open-top fermenters with minimal extraction. The wine is aged for 12 to 18 months in old oak barrels and demi-muids to encourage gentle oxygenation without imparting dominant oak flavors. It is bottled unfined and unfiltered with only a minimal addition of sulfur at bottling.