Why it matters
The producer
The present domaine took shape across three dates. The original vineyard was established in 1967. Jean-Frédéric Bistagne purchased vines and a cellar in 2013, then Jean-Frédéric and Morgane Bistagne formally established the present domaine in 2014. The couple had been working in Switzerland and had never worked in wine before moving into winemaking.
Domaine des Maravilhas is based in Saint-Laurent-des-Arbres in the southern Rhône Valley. Its red range includes Alice Cinsault, a Vin de France made from one grape, and Canto Bruno Lirac, a Lirac wine built around Mourvèdre and Grenache.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
Saint-Laurent-des-Arbres lies between Nîmes and Avignon. The domaine also has vineyard plots in Saint-Victor la Coste, Orange, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
The two named reds carry different geographic designations. Vin de France is a broad French category, while Lirac names an appellation. Alice Cinsault therefore carries the grape and category on its label, while Canto Bruno carries the Lirac name.
Wines to know
The range in view
Alice Cinsault is a 100% Cinsault Vin de France. It undergoes 12 days of maceration with gentle pump overs during fermentation. Violet and red fruit lead the aromas. The palate is fresh, agile and juicy, with a harmonious feel.
Canto Bruno Lirac is the appellation red. The range places a single grape Vin de France beside a Lirac wine defined by the relationship between two Rhône varieties.