Calendau is the Provençal equivalent of the French name, Noël, which used to be given to each child born on Christmas. Calendau is also a name from an 1867 Provençal poem about a fisherman that falls deeply in love. The love described in this poem is what inspired two friends, Philippe Cambie and Gilles Ferran, to become vineyard owners.  Their vineyards are located in Plan de Dieu which is between Chateauneuf and Rasteau in the region of Southern Rhône, France and are composed of 50% old Mourvèdre and 50% very old Grenache. The area is rooted in history. Nearby is the historic walled city of Avignon, the papal seat in the 14th century, as well as the historic city of Orange, home to an ancient Roman theater where opera is still performed today. In fact, many of the old cellars here are on sites built by the Romans.  The climate is Mediterranean – hot days, lots of sunshine, and cooled by a wind from the Alps called Le Mistral. 

This wine from Domaine Calendau is juicy and spicy, made of a blend of Mourvèdre and Grenache. The wine critic Robert Parker notes “black raspberry, blackberry, caramelized cherries, spice and crushed violets.” 2013 Calendal Côtes du Rhône Villages Plan de Dieu produced and bottled by Domaine Calendal. Aged 12 to 14 months in one year barrels. 15% ABV. Find yours for $18.99 at Pine Brook Bottle Shop.

This holiday season, MaconWine.com will feature wines you can find in the local area that pair well with celebrations, food, and family.