Xavier Vignon & Barbare, Cuvée XL 2012

Very expressive, the wine notes black fruit, cedar and some flowers; Xavier Vignon & Barbare, Cuvée XL 2012, a certified organic wine from the birthplace of winemaking Turkey, has a lightly smoky tone. On the palate, it is so silky and lush. It has fantastic acidity and a medium-bodied mouthfeel. It’s a wine that comes across as significant yet somehow is light on its feet – it’s a beautiful balance. The finish shows mineral notes, baking spice, and that meaty savouriness that lets you know this wine is over a decade old.

Re-tasting after an hour, there are lots of changes: acidity, acidity, acidity. The fruit profile of Barbare Estate Cuvee XL 2012 remains fresh and provides tones of ripe cherries, dry raisins, and Christmas Puddings on the riper side, radiating focused, linear and direct, and there is so much balance! The palate is structured, textured, shining, and spicy; there is a fullness to the stomach. Full-bodied and highly balanced as well.

Made in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape style, with a composition of 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre, this Châteauneuf-du-Pape style has made its way to Turkey! Born in the year 2000, on the shores of the Marmara Sea in the Thrace region of Turkey, the Barbare Estate flourishes in a favourable climate for vine growing. The vineyard extends over 25 hectares of vines cultivated in organic and biodynamic agriculture.

As consultant oenologist, Xavier Vignon visits the Domaine several times yearly to support and guide the teams in the vineyards and cellars. The XL Premier cuvée is the fruit of this joint effort.