Those who are attached to the classicism of labels and cuvée names may decide to give this a miss. That’s a shame. There’s nothing risky here, though. Boldness and originality do not detract from quality.
Located a few kilometres from Limoux and its famous blanquette, the Gayda estate has not taken sides in the quarrel between the traditionalists and the modernists. It is careful not to do so. At the helm of the estate since 2004, Vincent Chansault likes to combine the two. This is particularly true when it comes to blending, even if it means foregoing the AOC.
Beyond its name, the Figure Libre Freestyle cuvée is the perfect illustration of this mindset. ‘The audacity to blend, in the same bottle, grape varieties that should never have met,’ sums up Vincent Chansault. The 2023 vintage Freestyle blends Syrah, Grenache, Carignan and Mourvèdre, offering power, liveliness and freshness in a single cuvée. ‘Even after twenty years, we are still experimenting constantly. Vinification is done by feel, with little or no safety net. That’s the DNA of the house.’
It’s a bold approach that pays off. In the glass, the purple hues are intense. The lovely red fruit nose continues with hints of undergrowth and spices. On the palate, this Freestyle combines power, lovely length and, once again, a slight spicy note. The result is a solid wine that remains delicious.
Figure Libre Freestyle 2023, domaine Gayda
Article : Ouest France
