Landra Pur Jus Rouge

In what now feels like a lifetime ago (pre-pandemic back when we all roamed free), I was at a wine tasting in London and happened upon a table that intrigued me for some reason. Honestly, I can’t put my finger on why I stopped but I did and omg! am glad I did!! I met Cecile and Frederic that day - tasting their wines was super fun but what really stood out to me at the time was their genuine excitement and passion for what they were doing. Tbh, it was intoxicating and I wanted to learn more - like I wanted to be their friend and hang out with them drinking wine! So fast forward a year or slightly less and we met in Paris for dinner…. that was that, I suppose - we became friends and I adore them plus their wines are legit. Watching them and their project grow & evolve …their curiosity feeds the soul and also makes the wines constantly evolve! With Manon (their daughter) taking the reins after years studying and winemaking around the world, I am so excited to see where this amazing family project will go! For me, it’s all been a real honor and pleasure to be a tiny part of their journey! My heart is full whenever I see them or even just think of them!

With all the craziness, I wasn’t able to go to France this January so I didn’t get a chance to catch up with Cecile or have a big hug from Frederic. Manon & I didn’t get to have lunch to catch up - and it made me sad so I decided to open a bottle of the Landra Pur Jus red which has always been a favorite of mine. And at risk of yet another run on sentence, I was hit almost instantly with a visceral memory that made me both very, very happy and a bit sad cuz I miss them. And as we all are experiencing, these are crazy times. So a taste of something that is so fresh, juicy, yummy and evokes such happy thoughts is really welcome right now….. I hope you find some happy in this glass too!

Ok geek out info - located in Ventoux at the foothills of Mount de Vaucluse, the story is that Frederic & Cecile were on a road trip in the country and stopped to get a coffee. Cecile was paying and turned around to discover that Frederic had fallen in love with and bought (lol!) an old, abandoned Chateau with some old vineyards. While there is way more to the story, it’s a romantic one for sure! They restored it and the vineyards - it’s an oasis with gardens, animals, vines & love!

I’ve had this crush for a very long time and am so glad to be able to share it with you now!

Vines are about 50+ years old. Almost 50/50 Grenache & Syrah. Grapes are destemmed and fermented separately then blended later. Both varietals go through partial carbonic maceration (20%) with the remaining 80% going through a bit longer skin maceration for the primary fermentation. 

For me, the carbonic maceration is essential and keeps this wine super bright and fresh. There is a slight floral note that gives way to red currants, red plums & rainier cherries. With hints of salinity & smoke tingling around the edges. A definite earthy note plus Mediterranean herbs & black pepper - super pure, structured and balanced!