Step into the enchanting world of Domaine du Tix, where history and viticulture intertwine to create a mesmerizing tapestry of flavors. Nestled in the heart of Vaucluse, France, this esteemed winery beckons expert-level American wine lovers on a captivating journey through time and terroir. The enduring passion and dedication of the owners of Domaine du Tix are evident in its humble beginnings as a refuge for pilgrims seeking divine protection. Join us as we delve into the captivating story of this boutique estate and explore the tantalizing aromas, nuanced textures, and unforgettable moments offered by their signature Cuvée des Grandes Pointes Viognier. Get ready to indulge in an exceptional wine experience that pays homage to tradition while embracing the allure of the American novel.
Once upon a time, Domaine du Tix thrived with the cultivation of root vegetables, olives, and grapes. The air was filled with the aroma of burning trees, providing charcoal for various purposes. Over the centuries, the estate transformed into a sanctuary for pilgrims, who embarked on a hundred-meter ascent to the Chapel of Notre-Dame-des-Anges. Prayers were fervently offered, seeking protection against the plague and bountiful harvests.
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In 1999, Marie Pirch and Phillipe Danel breathed new life into the dilapidated estate. They undertook the ambitious task of converting the existing 12 acres of table grapes into exquisite wine varieties: Viognier, Syrah, and Grenache. Over 20,000 plants were skillfully grafted, resulting in a wave of success with an astonishing 92% graft survival rate. This heralded a new era in wine production, celebrated by the ever-gratified Bacchus.
Today, the winery boasts a sprawling 24-acre vineyard, nestled within the picturesque communes of Mormoiron and Blauvac. The marl soil hosts an assortment of four captivating grape varieties, including the harmonious addition of Cinsault. This dynamic duo of Cinsault and Syrah blankets 50% of the estate, setting the stage for unparalleled viticultural artistry.
In 2016, Andre Tremblay, an esteemed winemaker, and proprietor of a boutique winery in the Douro Valley of Portugal, acquired Domaine du Tix. Andre, a member of CAP WINE International, a renowned French wine group founded in June 2008, joined forces with Marie, Philippe, and Vincent Pineau, their dedicated nephew. Together, this formidable team endeavors to create remarkable wines that truly captivate the senses on the Domaine Du Tix Estate.
Vaucluse, an administrative department in southeastern France, bestows the esteemed IGP (Indication Géographique Protégée) title upon its red, white, and rosé wines. Nestled in the heart of the southern Rhône Valley, east of Avignon, Vaucluse enjoys the refreshing Mistral winds that lend a dry and pristine ambiance. However, winemakers must be ever-prepared, for these winds have the power to shape an entire vintage. Consequently, fewer interventions are required in the vineyards, allowing for the possibility of organic or biodynamic viticulture.
Upon pouring, the Domaine du Tix Cuvée des Grandes Pointes Viognier casts a radiant, pale gold hue. The nose exudes a captivating medium+ intensity, unveiling a symphony of citrus fruits, including lemon oil, orange zest, ripe peach, dried apricot, lychee compote, and pineapple rind: honeysuckle and acacia dance with clay pot and beeswax, weaving an aromatic tapestry. On the palate, this exceptional wine reveals a dry character, balanced by medium acidity and medium+ alcohol. Its full-bodied presence amplifies the medium+ intensity, while a luxurious lanolin texture embraces the senses. Ripe citrus and tree fruits, such as soft golden pear, baked peaches, and apricot pith, delight the palate. Notes of raw salted hazelnuts and cracked white peppercorns add a subtle savory complexity. With each sip, the experience unfolds further, reminiscent of freshly baked buttermilk biscuits. The wine culminates with a medium+ finish, leaving a lasting impression, and by the way, open it for at least 30 minutes as it needs to breathe like a genie in a bottle.
This is undeniably a superb wine, where the alcohol and flavors seamlessly complement the full-bodied experience that unfolds on the mid-palate. From the first sip, the mouth is enveloped in a velvety embrace, as the wine releases its perfumed aromas. As the journey continues, the vibrant acidity gracefully collides with the senses, leaving a lasting impression on the palate. While already delightful in its current state, it is a wine that begs to be savored now rather than later—there’s no need to wait for this gem to reveal its full potential. Remember, like a genie in a bottle, it deserves at least 30 minutes of breathing to unlock its true magic. Domaine du Tix Cuvée des Grandes Pointes Viognier: a masterpiece crafted for the discerning palate of expert-level American wine connoisseurs who seek nothing short of excellence in every sip.
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