2017 Les Fontanilles Domaine Anne Gros & Jean-Paul Tollot
The 2017 “Les Fontanilles” is a wine of character, both generous and elegant. Its harmonious blend of Mediterranean grape varieties and unique terroir give it a refreshing balance and exceptional aromatic richness. This wine is perfect for pairing with hearty meals or sharing on special occasions. With its tannic structure and aging potential, it also appeals to Languedoc wine lovers seeking a balance between power and finesse.
Winery: Domaine Anne Gros & Jean-Paul Tollot
Grape Varieties: Syrah, Grenache, Carignan, Cinsault
Region: Minervois, Languedoc-Roussillon, France
Appellation: Minervois
Color: Red
Format: 0.75 L Bottle
Description
The 2017 “Les Fontanilles” from Domaine Anne Gros & Jean-Paul Tollot is a wine that embodies the unique blend of Burgundian winemaking expertise with the richness of the Minervois terroir. This wine is produced from a high-altitude site that benefits from Mediterranean influence and the coolness of the surrounding hills. The combination of Mediterranean varieties such as Grenache and Carignan, paired with the finesse of Syrah and Cinsault, creates a wine that is both complex and balanced.
Blend
This wine is crafted from Syrah, Grenache, Carignan, and Cinsault—four classic southern French varieties. Syrah adds structure and spice, while Grenache and Cinsault lend softness and fruitiness. Carignan contributes a touch of rusticity and freshness.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Deep red with garnet reflections, indicating a wine of good concentration.
Nose: The nose is intense and generous, offering ripe red and black fruit aromas such as cherry, plum, and blackberry. These are enhanced by spicy notes of black pepper, licorice, and a hint of Mediterranean herbs (garrigue). With aeration, nuances of underbrush and leather also emerge, adding depth.
Palate: The wine opens with a full, round attack, featuring fine, silky tannins that provide structure without overpowering the palate. Ripe, fleshy black fruits harmoniously blend with spices and Provençal herbs. The long finish is marked by fresh minerality and a lingering aromatic persistence of fruit and sweet spices.
Aging Potential
The 2017 “Les Fontanilles” is ready to be enjoyed now but can also evolve gracefully in the cellar for 6 to 8 years. Over time, it will develop more complex tertiary aromas such as leather, mushrooms, and truffle.
Food Pairings
This versatile wine pairs beautifully with a range of dishes:
Grilled or roasted red meats: Ribeye steak, roast lamb, or duck breast.
Mediterranean cuisine: Lamb tagine with apricots, ratatouille, or moussaka.
Spicy dishes: Moroccan or Lebanese cuisine, featuring soft spices like cumin and cinnamon.
Cheese: Aged hard cheeses such as Comté or aged Gouda.