Fondreche is the reference point for what can be done in the Cotes du Ventoux. This is a source of sensational wines that still sell for incredibly fair prices, and virtually every one of these selections proves that you don`t have to drink luxury-priced Bordeaux, Burgundy or Napa Cabernets to experience the multiple joys of wine. Some of these wines I reviewed out of bottle a year ago, but since I retasted them, I`ve provided new notes.
One of the best run if not the finest estate in the Cotes du Ventoux is Fondreche. Shrewd consumers should have been stocking up on these wines for a number of years as they represent terrific values. They all exhibit beautifully pure fruit infused with plenty of Provencal character.
Robert Parker
Sebastian Vincenti is one of the most talented young wine producers in the often-forgotten, sun-filled region of Provence`s Cotes du Ventoux. His Domaine de Fondrèche make both red and white wines that trancend the region`s level of quality yet still sell for a song. While most of his wines should be drunk young, I suspect many of the bigger reds will age well.
Business Week
Mas Fondreche O` Sud 2006: I tasted through a whole range of wines from the extremely impressive Domaine de Fondrèche recently and will be writing up full notes soon. This was the least expensive of the half dozen I tasted, and therefore an ideal candidate for our good value `Wine of the Week`. From the Côtes du Ventoux in the Rhône Valley, this joyous little wine is a 50/50 blend of Grenache and Syrah and has a bright, breezy, up- front character with creamy raspberry fruit and a certain confiture quality. A little edge of something gamy and schisty creeps in, adding a layer of complexity. On the palate the sweetness of the black berry and autumnal, slightly smoky fruit powers through, with spice and a bit of grippy tannin adding texture and weight, and crisply-defined plum-skin acidity adding a nicely tart note to give savoury balance in the finish.
Wine-Pages
