"Ventoux Il Était Une Fois 2022 is based on very old Grenache vines aged only in glass globes and amphorae, with 10% Syrah and Mourvèdre aged in new oak. This is perhaps one of the greatest Grenaches to come out of Ventoux, offering an incredible bouquet of kirsch, black raspberries, spring flowers and Provencal spices. With remarkable purity, fine tannins and a great finish, it's a must-try." (Jeb Dunnuck 2023)
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Eye
Bright ruby colour
Nose
Notes of raspberry, pepper and garrigue enhanced by scents of leather
Mouth
Dense and broad, beautiful tannic power, silky touch, purity of juice, all finesse, aromas of small berries, length on freshness spices, licorice and cocoa.
Serve
At 16°C
Open
1 hour in advance
Drink before
2037
Food and wine pairing
Enjoy with roast pigeon, leg of lamb, forest omelettes, quail with grapes...
Bettane & Desseauve
Domaine rated (2020 guide) 2*Stars (A serious and recommendable production, but a little more regular and homogeneous than the previous one)
About the domain :
This top-quality estate is masterfully run by the dynamic Sébastien Vincenti, who has established it as one of Ventoux's most serious and consistent producers. The 38-hectare vineyard is farmed organically, including a large 28-hectare parcel around the estate on stony clay-limestone soils. The estate produces mainly red wines, including the superb Cuvée Nature N, vinified without added sulfur and a model of its kind. An address not to be missed in the region.
Guide Hachette des vins
Domaine noté (guide 2022) Award-winning wines (The wines of this producer are regularly awarded by the guide)
About the domain :
Nanou Barthélemy and her son Sébastien Vincenti acquired the property in 1995, built and steadily improved the winery, and recomposed the 40-hectare vineyard, which is farmed organically and biodynamically (without certification), making Fondrèche one of the benchmarks of the Ventoux PDO.
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate
Wine rated ( 2025 guide) 94/100 (Great wine)
Domaine noté (guide 2021) Recommended (Wine producer recommended by Robert Parker - The Wine Advocate)
About the wine:
Ventoux Il Etait Une Fois 2022 is a serious Grenache-based cuvée that continues to affirm Fondrèche's position as one of Ventoux's leading estates. Composed of 80% Grenache from old vines planted in 1936, aged in concrete eggs and amphorae, 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 finishing with a long, velvety finish. Combining depth and refinement, this cuvée can rival the best wines from Gigondas or Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and will improve with a decade of cellaring.
Wine Enthusiast
Domaine noté (guide 2021) Recommended (Wine producer recommended by Wine Enthusiast)
Jancis Robinson
Graded area (2020 guide) Recommended
James Suckling
Wine rated (2024 guide) 93/100
About the wine:
A pure, lively, well-crafted red with notes of wild berries, wild herbs and baking spices. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and fresh acidity. The fruit character is bright, 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 succulent finish.
Jeb Dunnuck
Wine rated (2023 guide) 94-96+/100
About the wine:
Ventoux Il Était Une Fois 2022 is based on very old Grenache vines aged only in glass globes and amphorae, with 10% Syrah and Mourvèdre aged in new oak. This is perhaps one of the greatest Grenaches to come out of the Ventoux, offering an incredible bouquet of kirsch, black raspberries, spring flowers and Provencal spices. With remarkable purity, fine tannins and a great finish, it's a must-taste.
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