Terres Fideles, Fidèle, AOP Organic Côtes du Roussillon Villages, Roussillon, France, 2021

Producer Profile

The wines of Terres Fidèles are designed to express the spirit of this extraordinary place – old-vine Grenache, Carignan, Malbec, Cinsault, Viognier and more.

All are authentically crafted, small-batch wines of the wilds. As Fergal Tynan MW, founder, explains: “Over the last two decades, we’ve been creating wines in the wilds of south-western France – embarking on adventures; exploring, discovering and rediscovering remarkable places and vineyard sites. From the foothills and valleys beneath the iconic Pyrenees, out through the gorges to the coastal areas of the Mediterranean, we’ve journeyed with our friends – exceptional growers who excel at their craft and have an inherent respect for the land that they and theirs are a part of. It is these people and places that inspire our winemaking.”

Viticulture

Grapes are from spectacular mountain vineyards at 240-280m altitude. This is truly “heroic viticulture”, with old bush vine, 40-80 years old, perched on steep rolling sites at the base of the cliffs on the northern edge of the Agly Valley, near Queribus, on classic schist and gres (sandy) schist soils. Vines are grown on the limits of each location, unforced and wild.

Winemaking

Hand-harvested a little earlier than most in the region. Wild fermentation, minimal intervention and then stored in small concrete vats. No oak is used. An exceptionally fine example of what the Roussillon region can deliver.

Tasting Note

Our first organic addition to the top-tier from Terres Fidèles. This, is a blend of Grenache and Carignan, a wine of power but not at the cost of elegance and finesse. A beautiful balance of dark and light. Grenache brings with it huge dark brooding fruit, great concentration and rich texture, whilst Carignan adds freshness, acidity, and bright fruit which marks out this very singular wine.

Food Matching

Superb with hearty dishes like slow-cooked stews, goulash, and mild curries.

Awards