Jean-Baptiste and Charlotte Sénat have been working their fifteen hectare domaine in the heart of Minervois since 1996, when they escaped to Trausse in the foothills of the Montagne Noir from Saint-Germain in Paris. The soils are limestone-clay and their mainly south-facing vineyards are set in the heart of the garrigue. They are organic and carry out all work by hand and vinification takes place with minimal intervention in a mixture of large and small casks. Only natural yeasts are used, the wines see no fining or filtration, and only tiny amounts of sulphur are employed in the cave. 'Arbalete & Coquelicots' translates into 'Bow & Arrow & Poppies', a wry tribute to the heavy metal band Guns & Roses. It is a blend of 80% Grenache & 20% Cinsault and with its spicy aromas and spiky acidity, this chillable red makes for a great BBQ wine.
Cherry-red in the glass. Scents of red berries, violets and sweet spices. On the palate, generously fruity with a slight spice and pronounced minerality. Altogether a very quaffable and attractive glugger. Try with grilled mushrooms stuffed with Pelardon goat's cheese, lentil and Foie Gras salad or roast duck with figs and pomegranates.