Located in the south of France, the appellation of Palette sits between the Southern Rhône and the the Provençal coastline on the Mediterranean Sea. You may know that vineyards are usually planted with a south-facing sun exposure to capture as much sunlight as possible, but in Palette, many estates plant their vineyards with a north-facing sun sites; this protects the vines from the intense heat that ripens the grapes in this region and in turn, allows the grapes to be harvested later and develop more complexity without too much alcohol. For this wine, Château Crémade uses grapes harvested from a vineyard situated in a natural amphitheater that is shielded from the intense Mistral winds. Gentle winds from the west and oceanic breezes do influence the vines, however, and the lime-stoney soils are definitely noticeable in the finished wine. Sophie Moquet works the vines naturally without chemicals, organic though not certified, and passionately with knowledge and dedication that has been passed down from generation to generation. There are more than 40 varietals planted on the estate and the Red is a unique blend of more than a dozen varietals including: Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Cinsault and Carignan, Cabernet-Sauvignon, Durif, Castet, Brun-Fourcat, Manosquin, Terret Gris, Tibouren and others. This brings a unique aromatic complexity which is unlike any other wine which is earthy, floral and perfectly balanced with fruit. After careful hand harvesting, the grapes are destemmed and then lightly crushed before fermentation in stainless steel tanks, wooden vats and neutral barrels. After fermentation, the wine is then aged for two years in French oak casks before bottling. This extraordinary wine is likely one of the only Palette appellation wines you will ever see in the US, so if I were you, I’d jump on the chance to experience this.