Domaine Anne Gros & Jean-Paul Tollot : Les Fontanilles 2024

Characteristics and Tasting Notes for the "Les Fontanilles" 2024 by Domaine Anne Gros & Jean-Paul Tollot

Tasting

Colour
The colour reveals a deep, bright red hue reminiscent of a dark ruby, adorned with violet highlights and a particularly brilliant rim.

Nose
Highly expressive, the aromatic bouquet opens with an explosion of red and black fruits such as cherry, raspberry, blackberry and blackcurrant. This fruity backbone is enriched with notes of sweet spices, black pepper and liquorice, elevated by a herbal touch of garrigue evoking thyme and rosemary, along with subtle floral and gamey nuances.

Palate
Full of vitality, the palate offers a texture that is both sapid and silky, supported by vibrant tannins of great finesse. There is a remarkable balance between Mediterranean generosity and a refreshing structural freshness. The finish, of beautiful length, lingers on spicy and fruity aromas, enhanced by a touch of salinity.

Food and Wine Pairing

This red wine pairs wonderfully with barbecued grilled meats, slow-cooked beef dishes or characterful game such as wild boar and venison. It will also elevate herb-rich Mediterranean cuisine, tagines with dried fruits, roast lamb or vegetarian dishes combining roasted vegetables, aubergines and parmesan.

Serving and Cellaring

To fully appreciate Les Fontanilles 2024, it is recommended to serve it at a temperature between 16 and 17°C. Decanting for one to two hours is advised while the wine is young, to soften its tannins and release its full aromatic complexity. This wine can be enjoyed now, but will continue to improve in the cellar, with a drinking window extending to around 2040.

Burgundian Elegance at the Heart of Minervois Terroir

The Estate

Born from a shared passion, Domaine Anne Gros & Jean-Paul Tollot was officially founded in 2006 in the hamlet of Cazelles, within the Languedoc. Led by its two eponymous founders, Anne Gros and Jean-Paul Tollot, the estate now spans 21 hectares. These two winemakers, both hailing from prestigious Burgundian lineages, chose to establish their expertise in the south of France. Their philosophy is built on sustainable viticulture and precise winemaking, seeking to combine the sun-drenched maturity of the region with the finesse and tension characteristic of their northern origins.

The Vineyard

Located in the higher reaches of the Minervois appellation, at the foot of the Montagne Noire, the vineyard rises to between 200 and 500 metres in altitude. The cuvée comes from a specific 3-hectare plot facing north-west, composed of sandstone, marl and limestone. Surrounded by garrigue, the vines, aged between 22 and 50 years, benefit from a temperate microclimate that encourages slow berry ripening. The estate favours sustainable, environmentally responsible farming, with exclusively hand-harvested grapes to preserve the integrity of the fruit.

Winemaking and Ageing

The production of the Les Fontanilles 2024 cuvée follows a Burgundian-inspired approach. After complete destemming, the berries undergo gentle extractions to preserve aromatic purity and delicate tannins. Ageing takes place over a 12-month period, divided equally: 50% in oak barrels to provide structure and 50% in stainless steel tanks to preserve the freshness and vibrancy of the fruit.

Grape Varieties

Syrah, Grenache, Carignan, Cinsault