Domaine Eugene Carrel 2021 Jongieux Rose Vintage Notes
The Savoie region saw one challenge after another in the Spring and Summer of 2021. The devastating early April frost (the worst in 30 years) that reduced the crop by at least half was followed by persistent rain into mid-July. Dry and relatively cool weather followed in August and September allowing the small crop to mature slowly. Veraison occurred by mid-August. Eugene Carrel hand-harvested the Gamay grapes destined for his Rosé on September 20th (3 weeks later than in the two previous vintages) and the Mondeuse grapes two weeks later – all in perfect climactic conditions. “After a growing season that no vigneron wants to see again, harvest took place under fine conditions” recalls Olivier Carrel, “with lower sugar levels than in recent years for all of our fruit. I aimed to preserve the aromatic intensity of this unique “classique” vintage.”
Carrel hand-sorted the red grapes in the vineyard and again at the winery. Due to the low level of ripeness – only 12% in natural degree – Olivier Carrel decided to use a blend of 90% Gamay and 10% Mondeuse for his unique Savoie Rosé. Both varieties were pressed immediately for only 2 hours and 45 minutes to preserve freshness and obtain the desired pink color. To attain the fullest expression of aromas and lively fruit, Olivier Carrel kept the alcoholic fermentation at a low 16 degrees Centigrade for 15 days. The alcoholic fermentations proceeded quickly, and Carrel blocked the malolactic fermentation to preserve the Rosé’s freshness. The Mondeuse and Gamay were assembled in mid-October. The Rosé wine then developed for 3 months on its fine lees in stainless steel tanks. The 2021 Domaine Eugene Carrel Savoie Rosé was bottled in late-December, after being fined with bentonite clay and lightly filtered.
The 2021 Carrel Savoie Rosé has exceptional freshness, energy and expressive flavors which derive from the unique blend of grapes and the northern Savoie Alpine environment in Jongieux, with its warm days and cool nights. All of the savoir-faire of the Carrel estate was needed to produce a Rosé with such pure and inviting flavors and aromas of red currant, strawberry, wild flowers and minerals in this exceptionally challenging vintage. Production was less than half of a normal year.