Tasting notes: Ruby-red in colour, intensely aromatic nose expressing red fruits, spices and liquorice. In the mouth, fruit-forward and versatile with soft and fine tannins.
About the winery: Built during the 13th Century, Chateau de la Selve is a fortified house, sitting on the ancient frontier between the Empire and the Kingdom of France. It was once a logis du chasse for the Dukes of Joyeuse but, over the centuries, hunting evolved into farming. Located on the banks of the Chassezac, the main tributary of the Ardeche, it enjoys a unique and protected position. Since 1990, this magnificent property has been in the hands of Jean-Regis and Magdeleine Chazallon. The cellar was constructed in 2002, part of which was converted from an old Bergerie. Today, there are a total of 40-hectares in production, planted to six different varieties. Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Cabernet Sauvignon and Viognier intermingle with the indigenous herb sand plants of the surrounding garrigue. Naturally low yields limit the production to around 38hl/ha. The untamed landscape, rare clay and calcareous soils, combined with hot summer days and cool nights (there is a diurnal range here of 15-20 degrees) offer a unique environment in which to work and make wine. Whilst the vineyards lie at an altitude of 115 metres, there is no influence of the mistral.
