“Le Ventoux Il Était Une Fois 2022 is made from very old Grenache vines aged exclusively in glass globes and amphorae, with 10% Syrah and Mourvèdre aged in new oak. This is perhaps one of the greatest Grenaches from the Ventoux region, offering an incredible bouquet of kirsch, black raspberries, spring flowers, and Provençal spices. With remarkable purity, fine tannins, and a long finish, this is a must-try.” (Jeb Dunnuck 2023)
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Eye
Bright ruby color
Nose
Notes of raspberry, pepper, and Mediterranean scrub, accented by hints of leather
Palate
Dense and full-bodied, with beautiful tannic power, a silky texture, and pure, refined flavors; aromas of small berries; a long finish marked by freshness, spices, licorice, and cocoa
Serve
At 16°C
Open
1 hour in advance
Drink before
2037
Food and wine pairings
Enjoy it with roast pigeon, leg of lamb, a mushroom omelet, quail with grapes…
Guide Hachette des vins
Rated estate (2024 guide) Award-winning wines (This producer’s wines are regularly recognized by the guide)
About the estate:
Nanou Barthélemy and her son Sébastien Vincenti purchased this property in 1995, built the winery and regularly upgraded it, and replanted the vineyard—50 hectares of organic vineyards cultivated using biodynamic methods—thus establishing Fondrèche as one of the leading producers in the Ventoux appellation.
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate
Wine rated (2025 guide) 94/100 (Excellent wine)
Rated estate (2025 guide) Recommended (Wine producer recommended by Robert Parker - The Wine Advocate)
About the wine:
The Ventoux Il Etait Une Fois 2022 is a serious Grenache-based cuvée that further solidifies Fondrèche’s position among the leading estates of the Ventoux region. Composed of 80% Grenache from old vines planted in 1936, aged in concrete eggs and amphorae, and complemented by 10% Mourvèdre and 10% Syrah, both aged in new barrels, it offers aromas of blackberry, blueberry, menthol, violet, and garrigue. Full-bodied and concentrated, it is supple and textured, with a fleshy, fruity core framed by powdery tannins and ending with a long, velvety finish. Combining depth and refinement, this cuvée can rival the best wines of Gigondas or Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and it will improve after a decade of aging in the cellar.
James Suckling
Wine rated (2024 guide) 93/100
Rated estate (2025 guide) Recommended
About the wine:
A pure, lively, and well-structured red with notes of wild berries, wild herbs, and baking spices. It is medium-bodied, with fine tannins and fresh acidity. The fruit is vibrant, with a lively core of succulent berries on the palate mingling with dried herbs and sweet spices. Full of verve, with a silky texture and a succulent finish.
Jeb Dunnuck
Wine rated (2023 guide) 94-96+/100
Rated estate (2025 guide) Recommended
About the wine:
Le Ventoux Il Était Une Fois 2022 is made from very old Grenache vines aged exclusively in glass globes and amphorae, with 10% Syrah and Mourvèdre aged in new oak. This is perhaps one of the greatest Grenaches from the Ventoux region, offering an incredible bouquet of kirsch, black raspberries, spring flowers, and Provençal spices. With remarkable purity, fine tannins, and a long finish, this is a must-try.