Minervois Orphee 2004

“The wines are created from the special alchemy which unites human hearts, the soil and the vines.” -- Marc Tempe

Tasting Note: Orphee 2004
Predominately Mourvedre with a little Syrah and Grenache, Orphee combines masses of extract delivered with finesse. Full bodied richness and pure fruit aromas with exotic notes and impressive balance. Here is a wine that will continue to evolve over many years.

Vintage: 2004
After the heat of 2003, July and August of 2004 were cooler than average and heavy rains fell in the region towards the end of August and beginning of September. As a result, many of those who failed to tend their vineyards properly saw the development of a fair amount of rot. A reprieve came in September, with a glorious Indian summer that helped accelerate the ripening of the grapes, Overall, 2004 was a cool year, producing balanced wines that will develop for many years.

Terroir: La Livinière - Minervois
The Minervois wine region is one of the largest of the Languedoc Roussillon in the south of France. La Livinière, lies in the heart of Minervois. Domaine de Courbissac lies between the foothills of the Cevennes and the Montagne Noire. This region is one of the sunniest in France and the precipitation is very low. The ripening of the grapes benefits from ideal climatic conditions, daily heat and coolness at night, induced by fresh air sweeping down from the mountain ridges.

Varieties: Mourvedre - Syrah - Grenache
Historically Mourvedre (moor-VEH-druh) was used to add color and structure to blends however there is a renewed interest in the south of France and wines with good balance and intriguing spicy character are being made. Syrah (see-RAH) Is deeply colored and tannic with pepper, spice and leather characters. Syrah is particularly long lived and makes some of the very best wines in France and around the world. Grenache (gruh-NAHSH) is one of the most widely planted varieties around the world. It does best in hot dry climates producing wines that a fresh, fruity and round.