Marcoux’s silky and perfumed Côtes-du-Rhône is drawn from two small, biodynamically farmed parcels of old vines on the edge of the Châteauneuf vineyards in the northern sector near Orange. There’s one hectare at Maucoil (planted in the 1930s) and another at Boislauzon (planted in 1965). The grapes are sorted both in the vineyard and cellar—not all Côtes du Rhône is created equal.
This year's blend is the traditional mix of 80% Grenache with a balance of Syrah, Mourvèdre and a little Cinsault. The harvesting is always done by hand, and fermentation takes place in cement tanks with wild yeast. It has more power and texture than last year’s wine, alongside plenty of perfume, pretty, ripe red and fruits and fine length. In other words, it is a cut above and a delicious introduction to the domaine’s wines.