Rouge 'Les Cliquets' Opi D'Aqui 2022

“Les Cliquets” from the Opi d’Aqui winery is the label with which winemaker Philippe Formentin recalls his beginnings as a producer: the “cricchetti” of the name refer to the mechanism of the first press installed, with which he made his first creations. A red that represents a nearly whispered interpretation of Grenache Noir and confirms how this corner at the western edge of Languedoc is an extremely suited territory for perhaps the most Mediterranean black grape variety of all.

“Les Cliquets” is made by Opi d’Aqui from Grenache Noir grapes grown in the area of the village of Vendémian, located about 16 kilometers southeast of the winery, in a tiny plot of 0.8 hectares characterized by clay and limestone soils and situated at an altitude of around 200 meters above sea level. The harvest is done manually and the whole bunches undergo carbonic maceration in steel tanks for a period of 3 weeks. The subsequent alcoholic fermentation takes place spontaneously by indigenous yeasts and, after racking, the cuvée is completed with 30% Vermentino: after the manual harvest, direct pressing follows in this case and the usual spontaneous fermentation. Both varieties are grown under certified organic farming, additionally following the principles of biodynamic agriculture. The final blend is then aged on its fine lees in steel tanks for 6 months. The bottling does not involve further manipulations such as filtration, stabilization, or clarification, nor is the addition of sulfites usually made.

“Les Cliquets” by Opi d’Acqui presents itself in a diaphanous appearance, of a very light ruby red close to an intense rosé. A visual impact that is confirmed on the palate by a light sip, characterized by extreme drinkability: the explosive freshness is accompanied by a light tannic structure, enriched by a very fine saline note. The nose is brightened by fresh and crunchy fruity aromas: slightly ripe cherry and berries, from currants to wild strawberries, which close on the finish with a refreshing trail of green vegetable. A red that seems to be crafted specifically for aperitifs with vegetarian finger foods, or to pair with sashimi.