Old vine Carignan has a deep, red color and lovely aromas of wild herbs and red berries. On the plate it is rich and full bodied with hints of spice and leather.

Wine maker notes

Although this wine is made with a traditional grape variety, the vinification was done in a modern style. The grapes are destemmed and crushed. The fermentation is carried out at controlled temperatures, around 75°F and the wine is aged in French oak to add complexity and roundness to the blend resulting in a juicy, intense and full-flavored wine.

Technical notes

Alcohol: 12.5%

Food pairing

Excellent with beef, barbeque or firm cheeses.

Producer

Tortoise Creek is a range of very fine varietal wines from the Languedoc district of the South of France and California. Tortoise Creek was created by a British couple, Mel and Janie Master who lived much of their lives in the wine business in the South of France as well as California. During their time in France, they developed close relationships with many of the top growers and winemakers in the Languedoc and have been producing wines from this area since 1990. The concept with Tortoise Creek was to work more with the individual grower and less with the large cooperatives as they understood that the key to any good wine, whether it is from the Languedoc, California or any other wine region was low yields. With that in mind, Tortoise Creek wines have been selected and blended from growers who understand this philosophy. We work closely with our growers in California and France to hand craft our selections. Tortoise Creek is a partnership between Mel and Janie Master and the national importing company Winesellers Ltd.