Minervois Rouge "Mais Ou est Donc Ornicar" Charlotte and Jean-Baptiste Senat 2023

Domaine Jean-Baptiste Senat, Trausse-Minervois

Fifteen hectare domaine in the heart of Minervois since 1996. They are located in Trausse-Minervois in the foothills of the Montagne Noir. The soils are limestone-clay and their mainly south-facing vineyards are set in the heart of the garrigue. They are organic and carry out all work by hand and vinification takes place with minimal intervention in a mixture of large and small casks. Only natural yeasts are used and the wines see no fining or filtration and only tiny amounts of sulphur are used in the cave. 

Originates from an obscure French grammar word play, a phonetic combination of the seven coordinating conjunctions in the French language: mais (but), ou (or), et (and), donc (therefore), or (however), ni (nor), and car (for). Where is Ornicar, then? In the glass, surely! (The Knights who say Ni! might have an alternative explanation).

Grenache is conjoined with Carignan (vieilles vignes) and Mourvèdre, fermented naturally in barrels and bottled as per usual with nothing added. This cuvée is all about finesse. It’s complex, fruity and mature, round and lively, all at once. The nose opens with notes of liquorice and black fruits, with a certain animal note, before segueing into a palate that is fresh and lifted and very satisfying.

Grapes: 90% Grenache 50 years old, 10% Carignan (70 years old)

Organic