Via Caritatis Abbayes Rouge 2020
Medium-deep ruby, likely slightly deeper and younger looking than the 2019. Medium-bodied, lively, and juicy. Excellent freshness balances the ripe fruit. Tannins are again supple and well-integrated. The finish is clean, focused, and persistent, emphasizing red fruit and herbal/mineral notes. Shares the elegant, drinkable style.
Very drinkable in its youth. Best 2024 through 2028+. Will develop some additional complexity over the next few years while retaining its core freshness. Decanting recommended (30-45 mins) for optimal aromatic expression, especially when young.
The Abbayes red is the heart of the project. It's a Grenache-dominant blend sourced from several of these restored monastic vineyards across the Southern Rhône (details of specific sites are often part of the story). It's typically bottled as a Vin de France to allow maximum blending freedom across appellations, focusing purely on quality and expression.
About Via Caritatis
Via Caritatis ("The Path of Charity") is a unique and fascinating project in the Southern Rhône, founded by renowned oenologist Philippe Cambie (consultant to many top estates until his passing in 2021) and his partner Baptiste Olivier. Its core mission blends exceptional winemaking with philanthropy:
Restoring Monastic Legacy: The project focuses on revitalizing abandoned or neglected vineyards historically belonging to religious communities (abbeys, monasteries, convents) across the Southern Rhône.
Winemaking Philosophy: Guided by Cambie's immense expertise (known for elegance and balance), the wines are made with minimal intervention. They favor concrete eggs and large oak for élevage, aiming for purity, freshness, and drinkability while respecting the Grenache-dominant character of the south. They are considered "natural-leaning" but with precision and finesse.
Medium-deep ruby, likely slightly deeper and younger looking than the 2019. Medium-bodied, lively, and juicy. Excellent freshness balances the ripe fruit. Tannins are again supple and well-integrated. The finish is clean, focused, and persistent, emphasizing red fruit and herbal/mineral notes. Shares the elegant, drinkable style.
Very drinkable in its youth. Best 2024 through 2028+. Will develop some additional complexity over the next few years while retaining its core freshness. Decanting recommended (30-45 mins) for optimal aromatic expression, especially when young.
The Abbayes red is the heart of the project. It's a Grenache-dominant blend sourced from several of these restored monastic vineyards across the Southern Rhône (details of specific sites are often part of the story). It's typically bottled as a Vin de France to allow maximum blending freedom across appellations, focusing purely on quality and expression.
About Via Caritatis
Via Caritatis ("The Path of Charity") is a unique and fascinating project in the Southern Rhône, founded by renowned oenologist Philippe Cambie (consultant to many top estates until his passing in 2021) and his partner Baptiste Olivier. Its core mission blends exceptional winemaking with philanthropy:
Restoring Monastic Legacy: The project focuses on revitalizing abandoned or neglected vineyards historically belonging to religious communities (abbeys, monasteries, convents) across the Southern Rhône.
Winemaking Philosophy: Guided by Cambie's immense expertise (known for elegance and balance), the wines are made with minimal intervention. They favor concrete eggs and large oak for élevage, aiming for purity, freshness, and drinkability while respecting the Grenache-dominant character of the south. They are considered "natural-leaning" but with precision and finesse.
Medium-deep ruby, likely slightly deeper and younger looking than the 2019. Medium-bodied, lively, and juicy. Excellent freshness balances the ripe fruit. Tannins are again supple and well-integrated. The finish is clean, focused, and persistent, emphasizing red fruit and herbal/mineral notes. Shares the elegant, drinkable style.
Very drinkable in its youth. Best 2024 through 2028+. Will develop some additional complexity over the next few years while retaining its core freshness. Decanting recommended (30-45 mins) for optimal aromatic expression, especially when young.
The Abbayes red is the heart of the project. It's a Grenache-dominant blend sourced from several of these restored monastic vineyards across the Southern Rhône (details of specific sites are often part of the story). It's typically bottled as a Vin de France to allow maximum blending freedom across appellations, focusing purely on quality and expression.
About Via Caritatis
Via Caritatis ("The Path of Charity") is a unique and fascinating project in the Southern Rhône, founded by renowned oenologist Philippe Cambie (consultant to many top estates until his passing in 2021) and his partner Baptiste Olivier. Its core mission blends exceptional winemaking with philanthropy:
Restoring Monastic Legacy: The project focuses on revitalizing abandoned or neglected vineyards historically belonging to religious communities (abbeys, monasteries, convents) across the Southern Rhône.
Winemaking Philosophy: Guided by Cambie's immense expertise (known for elegance and balance), the wines are made with minimal intervention. They favor concrete eggs and large oak for élevage, aiming for purity, freshness, and drinkability while respecting the Grenache-dominant character of the south. They are considered "natural-leaning" but with precision and finesse.