Grand Chemin

Located in the lower foothills of the Cévennes, some twenty miles northwest of Nimes in the eastern Languedoc, Domaine Grand-Chemin has been farmed for over 300 years by the same family. Jean-Marc Floutier and sons Emmanuel and Frédéric have been at the helm of Domaine Grand-Chemin for five generations, with the family owning mixed vineyard holdings around the town of Savignargues. The majority of wines here are made under the Pays d'Oc appellation from fruit grown on clay and limestone soils. The viognier, clocking in at just 12.5%, is made with admirable restraint. The cabernet sauvignon is fermented in inox and aged for six months in concrete and oak. Like the viognier, it is fashioned in a fresher style than many wines from this area. A small quantity of Duché d’Uzès is also made. This relatively new appellation was created in the early 21st century, and full AOC status was granted by INAO as recently as 2012. The wine is a syrah-grenache blend, aged in conrete, in the style of the nearby Rhône Valley, and offers excellent value.