Husband and wife Anne Gros and Jean-Paul Tollot bring two of Burgundy’s most accomplished winemaking traditions to the hills of the Minervois, producing southern French wines with an uncommon level of finesse, precision, and restraint. Their 2023 La Grenache 8 is made entirely from Grenache drawn from roughly 30-year-old vines in the Fontanilles vineyard, where sandstone, marl, and limestone soils combine with the cooler elevation at the foot of the Montagne Noire to preserve freshness through the warm growing season. The fruit is hand-harvested, completely destemmed, and fermented with indigenous yeasts, allowing the natural purity and perfume of Grenache to remain at the forefront. The “8” refers to tank number eight in the domaine’s cellar, historically reserved for Grenache. The 2023 is supple and immediately inviting, with raspberry, wild strawberry, pomegranate, and ripe cherry layered with violets, cracked pepper, and the savory herbs of the surrounding garrigue. Medium-bodied and silky, with fine tannins and bright acidity, it possesses a Pinot Noir-like delicacy despite the South's natural warmth and generosity. This is a beautiful introduction to the work of Anne Gros and Jean-Paul Tollot in the south, and a fantastic value from two Burgundian masters who are bringing remarkable elegance to the Languedoc.
Jeb Dunnuck ( Birte Jantze) 93 pts! Pure Grenache Noir aged 14 months in stainless steel tanks, 2023 Pays d’Hérault Côtes du Brian Le Grenache 8 elegantly plays on purity of expression with its aromas of strawberry, cherry, raspberry, and red pepper. Full-bodied, delicious, supple, and well-balanced, its dense, silky tannins create a gentle mouthfeel, and its long finish fades to notes of spice and garrigue. This generous, gastronomic red is already now superb to enjoy. Drink 2025-2032.<!--more-->Anne Gros and Jean-Paul Tollot, two Burgundy winemakers with 30 years of experience, have combined their expertise in the beautiful terroirs of Cazelles in Minervois. They cultivate 18 hectares of vineyards, producing 10 wines, many of which are single-varietal and single-vineyard, applying Burgundian methods in the heart of Languedoc. This does not prevent them from also producing great blends based on the region's signature grape varieties. These wines are classic beauties from the south and should not be missed. (Drink between 2025 - 2032)
2023 Domaine Anne Gros & Jean-Paul Tollot La 8 Eta 8-8-2026
2023 Domaine Anne Gros & Jean-Paul Tollot La 8 Eta 8-8-2026
Husband and wife Anne Gros and Jean-Paul Tollot bring two of Burgundy’s most accomplished winemaking traditions to the hills of the Minervois, producing southern French wines with an uncommon level of finesse, precision, and restraint. Their 2023 La Grenache 8 is made entirely from Grenache drawn from roughly 30-year-old vines in the Fontanilles vineyard, where sandstone, marl, and limestone soils combine with the cooler elevation at the foot of the Montagne Noire to preserve freshness through the warm growing season. The fruit is hand-harvested, completely destemmed, and fermented with indigenous yeasts, allowing the natural purity and perfume of Grenache to remain at the forefront. The “8” refers to tank number eight in the domaine’s cellar, historically reserved for Grenache. The 2023 is supple and immediately inviting, with raspberry, wild strawberry, pomegranate, and ripe cherry layered with violets, cracked pepper, and the savory herbs of the surrounding garrigue. Medium-bodied and silky, with fine tannins and bright acidity, it possesses a Pinot Noir-like delicacy despite the South's natural warmth and generosity. This is a beautiful introduction to the work of Anne Gros and Jean-Paul Tollot in the south, and a fantastic value from two Burgundian masters who are bringing remarkable elegance to the Languedoc.
Jeb Dunnuck ( Birte Jantze) 93 pts! Pure Grenache Noir aged 14 months in stainless steel tanks, 2023 Pays d’Hérault Côtes du Brian Le Grenache 8 elegantly plays on purity of expression with its aromas of strawberry, cherry, raspberry, and red pepper. Full-bodied, delicious, supple, and well-balanced, its dense, silky tannins create a gentle mouthfeel, and its long finish fades to notes of spice and garrigue. This generous, gastronomic red is already now superb to enjoy. Drink 2025-2032.<!--more-->Anne Gros and Jean-Paul Tollot, two Burgundy winemakers with 30 years of experience, have combined their expertise in the beautiful terroirs of Cazelles in Minervois. They cultivate 18 hectares of vineyards, producing 10 wines, many of which are single-varietal and single-vineyard, applying Burgundian methods in the heart of Languedoc. This does not prevent them from also producing great blends based on the region's signature grape varieties. These wines are classic beauties from the south and should not be missed. (Drink between 2025 - 2032)
