Le Bateleur: the new Arcane from the Rasteau appellation!
Each new addition to the Arcane range is an event in itself. It is the terroir of Rasteau that has been captured in this new cuvée, with grapes grown in some of our winemaker’s favourite hillside parcels.
Xavier Vignon wanted to pay homage to this cru and capture the depth and generosity of the appellation by blending different varietals, vintages and methods of vinification.
The Grenaches from the 2017 vintage therefore underwent cold pre-fermentation maceration and gentle pressing so as to preserve the fruit, whereas the Grenaches from 2019 and 2020 were subject to lengthy fermentations in order to impart a smooth and delicate tannic structure.
The Syrahs from 2017 and 2020 were vinified according to traditional methods whereas the 2019s were vinified and aged for 24 months in truncated vats.
The Mourvèdres from 2019 and 2020 were co-fermented with a proportion of Grenache before being aged in concrete for 24 months.
The Carignans were aged in the Wine globe, a 200L glass container that enables the wine to express itself freely thanks to the neutrality of the receptacle.
The Bateleur is a bold and self-assured wine, in the image of cru Rasteau itself, with a generous beauty behind which lies the finesse and strength of an outstanding terroir. The nose reveals an array of intense black fruits whilst the silky smooth and persistent palate discloses sweet spice combined with notes of cedar wood that give way to zesty red fruits such as redcurrant.