Founded in 1995, Calmel & Joseph is a maison de negoce specializing in Languedoc-Roussillon wines from private wineries from across the region. Over the years, they have built close personal relationships with a large number of growers from all appellations. Convinced of the extraordinary potential of this region, oenologist, Laurent Calmel, and Jerome Joseph work together on the vinification, blending and ageing of wines with the common purpose of demonstrating the little known yet unique quality of these Mediterranean terroirs. As well as their desire to produce high quality wines consistent with their terroirs, they are committed to making wines which reflect their convictions and experience.

Vineyards

Limestone clay. The climate is Mediterranean with a continental influence typical of the Limoux terroir for our Malbec, and profoundly Mediterranean nearer to the coast for our Petit Verdot.

60% Petit Verdot, 40% Malbec

Vinification

Traditional vinification with total destemming and no crushing.
Light pumping over for 10 minutes a day with fermentation temperature kept at 25C for the Petit Verdot and 28 C for the Malbec. Total vatting time of 3 weeks for the Petit Verdot and the Malbec. Malolactic fermentation carried out on clarified wine to conserve the maximum fruit.

Ageing:

Concrete vats: 60% of the volume
Barrels: 40% of the volume
Duration: 4 months

Tasting Notes

A deep garnet red wine that offers opulent aromas of mango, rose, lichee and violet evolving to cardamom and ginger. This olfactory explosion is a result of the unusual blend of Petit Verdot and Malbec. In the mouth it is smooth, supple, and creamy, with rich, mouthcoating tannins and lovely floral and fruity notes of yellow peach, blackcurrant and strawberry, and also the vivacity of pomegranate, with violet, liquorice, elderberry and mint joining this joyous harmony on the finish. LEpicurius is a surprise reserved for the curious in pursuit of the luscious.