Carignan Cuvée Ephémere 4 2023 Domaine Clément Lavallée

Vin de France Carignan Cuvée Éphémère #4 2023 from Clément Lavallée is the most unforeseen, liberated and joyful cuvée from a vigneron who sets himself no limits as long as the fruit is beautiful and the fellow winemaker is trusted. The real delight is that he creates a surprise cuvée each year with grapes brought by winemaker friends and vinified in the Burgundian manner. We love this spirit of freedom. The #4 in the Éphémère series is a Carignan, a Languedoc grape often overlooked yet capable, in good hands and from old vines, of a depth, freshness and originality that fascinates the most curious collectors.

The grape, origin and philosophy

The Éphémère series represents Clément Lavallée's most personal and liberated collection, with each edition numbered and produced in very small quantities, just a few hundred bottles, from grapes brought by winemaker friends from other regions and vinified in the Burgundian style at the family cellar. The #1 was a Mourvèdre from Bandol, the #2 also a Mourvèdre, and the #4 is a Carignan sourced discreetly but chosen above all for the quality of its grapes. This Languedoc variety, long dismissed for rusticity and high alcohol when cultivated at high yields, reveals quite another character on old, low-yielding vines: natural freshness, surprisingly fine tannins, spicy notes and wild red fruit flavours of remarkable precision and complexity, sometimes reminiscent of northern Rhône Syrah. The winemaking follows the domaine's philosophy faithfully: cold pre-fermentative maceration, fermentation with indigenous yeasts and no added sulphur, gravity-fed work, ageing in Burgundian barrel, bottling without filtration and minimal sulphur.

Tasting profile

The colour is a brilliant garnet red with violet hues, vivid and luminous. The nose shows immediate expressiveness and directness, in the straightforward, unadorned style of all Éphémère cuvées: aromas of wild red fruits, raspberry, blackberry and black cherry open with spontaneity, accompanied by the characteristic spice note of Carignan, liquorice, garrigue herbs and a light touch of violet. The Burgundian vinification brings a freshness and aromatic purity that immediately distinguishes this Carignan from heavier, more stewed southern versions. On the palate, the substance is surprisingly light and digestible for this variety: the tannins are fine and well-integrated, the fresh acidity is well-knit and gives drive and drinkability, and the sober, precise structure leaves all room for crunchy, generous fruit. The finish is spicy and persistent, with that return of garrigue and wild fruit that is the absolute signature of well-made Carignan.

The domaine

Clément Lavallée is the son of vignerons, raised with vines and wine. After studies in viticulture and winemaking and formative time at Chapoutier and Château Margaux, he decided in 2019 to create his own label on just 1.5 hectares, leased from the family domaine. From his first vintage, he has banned synthetic products, worked by gravity, kept sulphur to a minimum and harvested at the last moment to ensure optimal grape quality. On the particularly challenging 2024 vintage, he held his yields and swears he brought in some of the finest juices he has ever vinified. The Éphémère series perfectly embodies the curious and generous spirit of this winemaker: never limit yourself to your own terroir, share with friends, explore unexpected varieties, and above all, have fun.

Tasting and food pairing

This Vin de France Carignan Éphémère #4 is best enjoyed slightly cool, between 14 and 15°C, to fully appreciate the natural freshness and crunch of the fruit. It pairs beautifully with southern charcuterie, lamb tagine with prunes, wood-fired pizza with herbs and tomatoes, fresh pasta with ragù, or a plate of soft cheeses like Brillat-Savarin. Above all, this is a wine of conviviality and sharing, to be opened without ceremony among the curious and collectors who understand that the best surprises often come from the cuvées you least expected.