Le Ventoux Il Était Une Fois 2022 is based on very old Grenache vines aged exclusively in glass globes and amphorae, with 10% Syrah and Mourvèdre aged in new oak. This is perhaps one of the greatest Grenaches to come out of Ventoux, offering an incredible bouquet of kirsch, black raspberries, spring flowers, and Provençal spices. With remarkable purity, fine tannins, and a long finish, this is a must-try." (Jeb Dunnuck 2023)
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Eye
Bright ruby red color
Nose
Notes of raspberry, pepper, and garrigue enhanced by leather scents
Mouth
Dense and broad, beautiful tannic power, silky texture, purity of juice, all finesse, aromas of small berries, length on freshness, spices, licorice, and cocoa.
Serve
At 16°C
Open
1 hour in advance
Drink before
2037
Food and wine pairings
Enjoy with roast pigeon, leg of lamb, mushroom omelet, quail with grapes...
Bettane & Desseauve
Rated estate (2020 guide) 2 stars (A serious and recommendable production, but a little more consistent and uniform than the previous one)
About the estate:
This high-quality estate is masterfully managed by the dynamic Sébastien Vincenti, who has established it as one of the most serious and consistent producers in Ventoux. The vineyard covers 38 hectares, cultivated using organic farming methods, including a large 28-hectare plot surrounding the estate, on clay-limestone gravel soils. The estate mainly produces red wines, including the superb Cuvée Nature N, vinified without added sulfur and a model of its kind. An essential address in the region.
Guide Hachette des vins
Rated estate (2022 guide) Award-winning wines (This producer's wines are regularly recognized by the guide)
About the estate:
Nanou Barthélemy and her son Sébastien Vincenti acquired this property in 1995, built and regularly improved the cellar, and replanted the 40-hectare vineyard using organic and biodynamic methods (without certification), making Fondrèche one of the benchmarks of the Ventoux AOP.
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate
Wine rating (2025 guide) 94/100 (Outstanding wine)
Rated estate (2021 guide) Recommended (Wine producer recommended by Robert Parker - The Wine Advocate)
About wine:
Ventoux Il Etait Une Fois 2022 is a serious Grenache-based cuvée that continues to assert Fondrèche's position among the leading estates in Ventoux. Composed of 80% Grenache from old vines planted in 1936, aged in concrete eggs and amphorae, complemented by 10% Mourvèdre and 10% Syrah, both aged in new barrels, it offers aromas of blackberry, blueberry, menthol, violet, and garrigue. Full-bodied and concentrated, it is supple and textured, with a fleshy, fruity core framed by powdery tannins and ending with a long, velvety finish. Combining depth and refinement, this cuvée can rival the best wines of Gigondas or Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and will improve after a decade of cellaring.
Wine Enthusiast
Rated estate (2021 guide) Recommended (Wine producer recommended by Wine Enthusiast)
Jancis Robinson
Rated estate (2020 guide) Recommended
James Suckling
Wine rated (2024 guide) 93/100
About wine:
A pure, lively, well-structured red with notes of wild berries, wild herbs, and baking spices. It is medium-bodied, with fine tannins and fresh acidity. The fruit character is vibrant, with a lively core of succulent berries on the palate mingling with dried herbs and sweet spices. Full of verve, with a silky texture and a succulent finish.
Jeb Dunnuck
Wine rated (2023 guide) 94-96+/100
About wine:
Le Ventoux Il Était Une Fois 2022 is based on very old Grenache vines aged exclusively in glass globes and amphorae, with 10% Syrah and Mourvèdre aged in new oak. This is perhaps one of the greatest Grenaches to come out of Ventoux, offering an incredible bouquet of kirsch, black raspberries, spring flowers, and Provençal spices. With remarkable purity, fine tannins, and a long finish, this is a must-try.