2023 Domaine Alexandre Hote 'Calciare' Tavel, 750ml

“A few vats and ratchet press and a lot of passion,” is the statement on Alexandre’s Hote’s website communicating the very simple and low intervention style in which he makes his wines. At his small 4.5 hectare domaine in Tavel, the vines are worked by hand and only natural preparations are used in the vineyard. The region is known for its darker styles of rose and lighter styles of red wine. This cuvee,  ‘Calcaire’ is made from the cinsault grape and pays homage to the calcareous limestone that gives the wine its minerality. He uses a traditional wooden ratchet press to squeeze the juice from their skins, using this style of press can give wines  spicy, balanced tannins. 

This wine is a great to try if you’re skeptical about light-bodied wines lacking flavor. It’s bright, ruby-toned and extremely refreshing. I’m looking forward to a glazed slice of ham with this wine or spoonful of tapenade on toast!