Via Caritatis Abbayes Rouge 2019
Medium-deep ruby. Medium to medium-full bodied. Juicy red fruit flavors carry through, supported by fresh acidity that balances the vintage's warmth. Tannins are present but fine-grained and supple, providing structure without harshness. The mineral note often appears on the mid-palate, leading to a clean, fresh, and surprisingly elegant finish. Shows the finesse Cambie was known for.
The 2019 is drinking beautifully right now, showing its fruit and freshness. Likely in its prime window now through 2027+. Its balance and acidity give it medium-term cellaring potential, but it's primarily made for enjoyment in its vibrant youth. Decanting is beneficial (30-60 mins) to open up aromatics, but not strictly necessary.
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. Medium to medium-full bodied. Juicy red fruit flavors carry through, supported by fresh acidity that balances the vintage's warmth. Tannins are present but fine-grained and supple, providing structure without harshness. The mineral note often appears on the mid-palate, leading to a clean, fresh, and surprisingly elegant finish. Shows the finesse Cambie was known for.
The 2019 is drinking beautifully right now, showing its fruit and freshness. Likely in its prime window now through 2027+. Its balance and acidity give it medium-term cellaring potential, but it's primarily made for enjoyment in its vibrant youth. Decanting is beneficial (30-60 mins) to open up aromatics, but not strictly necessary.
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. Medium to medium-full bodied. Juicy red fruit flavors carry through, supported by fresh acidity that balances the vintage's warmth. Tannins are present but fine-grained and supple, providing structure without harshness. The mineral note often appears on the mid-palate, leading to a clean, fresh, and surprisingly elegant finish. Shows the finesse Cambie was known for.
The 2019 is drinking beautifully right now, showing its fruit and freshness. Likely in its prime window now through 2027+. Its balance and acidity give it medium-term cellaring potential, but it's primarily made for enjoyment in its vibrant youth. Decanting is beneficial (30-60 mins) to open up aromatics, but not strictly necessary.
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.