Cuvee 1682 – THE Perineal Overachiever
A perineal overachiever, with multiple 90+ ratings under its belt, yet still available for less than $20, Fontareche can trace its unbroken history to the 10th century. Under a grant from the Archbishop of Narbonne, Fontareche and its glorious towers became an official estate, and would remain under that single ownership until changes at the beginning of the 13th century. Additional changes came at the second half of the 13th century when a fortified castle, a chapel and a moat were added by then Archbishop of Narbonne. In the late 17th century, Fontareche was again upgraded, this time becoming the property of nobles.
This was how Fontareche became the property of the Mignard family, whose members included various famous painters, such as Pierre Mignard – whose works include the paintings which decorate the dome of the Church of the Val-de-Grâce in Paris, as well as The Virgin of the Grapes which is on display at the Louvre Museum. The Lamy family, now owners of Fontareche, are descendants of the Mignards, with Jacques de Lamy taking over in 1957. Over the centuries, these families have lovingly managed a 145 ha (360 acres) vineyard, which forms a perfect square around the ancient chateau.
The vines are extremely old, making for one of the most complex, intense and structured wines anywhere in the region of Corbieres. Their prized possession is the Cuvee 1682 – 1682 referring to the year Fontareche joined the Lamy family – a wine that pays homage to the centuries of hard work to build a vineyard with no equal in Corbieres. It is a smashing wine! As Parker’s Wine Advocate says, “It’s a full bodied, supple wine, laden with savory notes…with a base of blueberries and cherries and a silky-textured finish…” My price makes it your go-to for weeknight sipping. Don’t dilly dally – only 5 cases left!
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate: Fontareche’s top wine is the 2016 Cuvee 1682, a blend of 50% Mourvèdre, 30% Syrah and 20% Carignan, aged nine months in oak. It’s a full-bodied, supple wine, laden with savory notes of black olives and rosemary but with a base of blueberries and cherries and a silky-textured finish. It should drink well for several years.
Winery Suggested Price: $20
Park Street Wine Cellars Everyday Low Price: $17.99