Vinsobres "Confidence" 2017

Domaine Constant-Duquesnoy

Unlike many new Belgian winemakers, Gérard Constant did not fall for a captivating building – in other words, for real estate -  but began by investing in the purchase of 12 hectares of vines in Vinsobres, in the Drôme department, about thirty kilometres to the north of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. What’s more, these weren’t just any vines: they were from the Domaine Les Ausellons, considered in his time by Parker to be "one of the three best properties" of the appellation. Gérard Constant has now also acquired plots in the Cairanne appellation.

Vinsobres Confidence

This top-of-the-range cuvée comes from the oldest vines in the vineyard, found at the top of the hill (300 to 400 metres above sea level). The yield is limited to 15hl/ha. Gérard Constant prefers long maceration periods (four weeks in the tank) and allows the malolactic fermentation to begin naturally (without inoculation). He gives preference to a "malo" in one-wine casks, following by maturing for ten months in the same casks. His Confidence is kept in a cold room (12°C) for at least six months after bottling. This wine does not undergo fining and is only lightly filtered. 

   Deep garnet red. Regular wine legs.

   Powerful nose dominated by aromas of dried figs and dark plums, with a hint of vanilla.

   Complex , smooth mouth marked by fruits of the forest as well as aromas of graphite and truffles.

   Red meats in sauce and feathered game.

   16-17°C. Decant 1 to 2h before tasting. Excellent ageing potential.