• WINERY Château des Erles
  • GRAPE Carignane
  • YEAR 2003
  • COUNTRY France
  • REGION Fitou

This meaty red comes from a Languedoc property owned by the globe-trotting Lurton brothers, members of one of Bordeaux’s most influential wine dynasties.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Always on the lookout for underappreciated wine regions, the Lurton family planted a stake in Fitou in 2001 with the purchase of Château des Erles. A little-known subregion of the vast Languedoc-Roussillon wine district, Fitou is located along France’s Mediterranean coast. Château des Erles lies in its rocky, mountainous interior. It’s promising red-wine country: Brisk winds and high altitudes keep temperatures cooler, which helps grapes ripen evenly, while hillside soils ensure small, concentrated berries. A blend of tannic Carignane (the dominant grape of Fitou), Grenache and Syrah, this powerful bottling shows the warmth of the 2003 vintage in its ripe black fruit flavors.

SMELL IT

Dark and wild, with black fruit scents dusted with pepper.
TASTE IT

Spicy, enveloping flavors of grilled meat and roasted plums, with a hint of green herbs.
SERVE IT

While the Château des Erles will age nicely for a decade or more, it’s drinking beautifully now. Decant an hour or so and serve at cellar temperature.
PAIR IT

Marbled, richly textured red meats and game, especially braised or roasted. Think cassoulet, short ribs and stew.

Cassoulet with Duck Confit