Bistro Freres Wines           HISTORY    | home | area | history of its wine | our story | vineyards | purchase | contact | | 2004 harvest | 2005 harvest | early 2006 report |   The Wines Ancient vines are the foundation of everything special in the Fenouilledes. Many vineyards here were last replanted in the 1920s. Old vines have strong roots that reach deep into the minerally soil to extract the trapped moisture remaining from the winter rains. These gnarly old vines produce minute amounts of stunningly intense fruit. We have joined a new generation of vignerons who have realized the possibilities of this long dormant region, growers and winemakers intent on creating world class wines. We are concentrating on the varietals that have been cultivated in the arid and mountainous southeast corner of Europe for centuries – and that do best here - Grenache (noir, blanc and gris), and Carignan. The international reputation of the Fenouilledes is burgeoning because of the efforts these new vignerons are applying to the remarkable vines and growing conditions. The red wines are dominated by the Grenache noir grape known for its deep flavors and silkiness. Grenache can be subtle, complex, and luxurious. Wines such as Chateau Rayas in Chateauneuf-du- Pape and Clos Mogador in the Priorat region of Spain have shown the profound wines that can be made from Grenache.   The white wines made from Maccabeu, Carignan blanc, Grenache Gris and Grenache blanc provide a fresh, spicy, dry, rich alternative to Chardonnay, and marry beautifully with foods ranging from spicy Catalonian fish dishes like boullinade to simple plates of roasted red peppers, black olives and fresh Collioure anchovies.   The sweet white and sweet red wines from the area can be wonderful matches for various desserts (especially chocolate) or as chilled aperitifs. The sweet reds, called Maury, are not overly sweet. One can still taste the Grenache grape whose juice has been put in large glass bon-bons and left in the sun to develop a raisiny like flavor.