Envol Rouge 2022

Envoler means to take flight in French, and this is indeed a perfect bottle to kick off your exploration of FdG!

Merlot is the winery’s predominant grape, but it is treated so delicately here that you might forget Bordeaux is just a short drive away. There’s a feathery texture, loads of fruit and some welcome peppery notes. 

Region: Dordogne
Grape(s): Merlot
ABV: 14%

About the domaine: Benoit Périssé and Leïla Lare are making some of the most exciting, counter-culture wines in the Dordogne, a satellite zone of Bordeaux two hours east from the Atlantic.

The couple works mainly with Bordelais varietals, but their wines are not like any classic Bordeaux blends you’ve ever had. They also farm some grapes native to the region that have been long forgotten (vinified mostly as sparkling wines).

The cuvées range from free and easy drinking table wines to serious age-worthy Cabernet Franc and an elegant sous-voile Sauvignon Blanc.