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Rhône Wines
Ventoux
Fondrèche
Domaine de Fondrèche - Ventoux Il était une fois 2022
Domaine de Fondrèche - Ventoux Once Upon a Time 2022

Domaine de Fondrèche - Ventoux Il était une fois 2022

Ventoux|Red wine|Organic

94-96+/100

Jeb Dunnuck

94/100

Robert Parker

93/100

James Suckling

Grenache
silky
old vines

"Only for exceptional vintages"

“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 may be 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, it’s an absolute must-try.” (Jeb Dunnuck 2023)

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Estate

Domaine de Fondrèche

Vintage

Il était une fois

Vintage

2022

Designation

Ventoux

Region

Rhône

Grape Varieties

80% Grenache (plantés en 1936 et 1938), 10% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre

Regions

Ancient alluvial deposits, very stony soils (rounded pebbles, flint, and crystalline rock) with limestone, and a sandy-clay texture on the surface

Viticulture

Certified organic and biodynamic (sulfur-free)

Grape Harvest

At optimal maturity

Wine Production

Traditional winemaking: fermentation lasts 14 to 21 days, with only a few light punch-downs to ensure slow and gradual extraction

Livestock Farming

Aged on lees for 12 months in ovoid tanks and amphorae for the Grenache, and in barrels for the Syrah and Mourvèdre

Alcohol content

14%

Organic

Yes

Eye

Bright ruby color

Nose

Notes of raspberry, pepper, and garrigue, 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 with notes of freshness, spices, licorice, and cocoa

Serve

At 16°C

Open

1 hour in advance

Drink before

2037

Food and Wine Pairings

Food and Wine Pairings

Enjoy it with roast pigeon, leg of lamb, an omelet with mushrooms, quail with grapes…

More information at Domaine de Fondrèche

More information at Ventoux

Hachette Wine Guide

Guide Hachette des vins

Rated Estate (2024 Guide) Award-Winning Wines (This producer's wines regularly receive awards from 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 principles—thus making Fondrèche one of the leading producers in the Ventoux appellation.
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

Wine rated (2025 guide) 94/100 (Outstanding 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 continues to solidify 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 oak 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 culminating in 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 with a decade of cellaring.
James Suckling

James Suckling

Wine rated (2024 guide) 93/100

Rated Winery (2025 Guide) Recommended

About the wine:

A pure, lively, and well-structured red with notes of wild berries, wild herbs, and baked 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

Jeb Dunnuck

Wine rated (2023 guide) 94-96+/100

Rated Winery (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 may be 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 wine is an absolute must-try.

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