Le Grand Méchant Loup Pic Saint Loup
Red Wine - Full-bodied, aromatic, Mediterranean style · Domaine Le Chemin des Rêves (Benoît Viot)
Vintage: Non-vintage / Recent Vintage (Typically 2020-2022 based on current release)
Type
Red Wine - Full-bodied, aromatic, Mediterranean style
Producer
Domaine Le Chemin des Rêves (Benoît Viot)
Country
France
Vintage
Non-vintage / Recent Vintage (Typically 2020-2022 based on current release)
Region & Appellation
Languedoc, Pic Saint Loup AOP
Grape Varieties
Syrah-dominant blend with Grenache and Mourvèdre (typically around 60% Syrah, 30% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre)
Color & Appearance
Deep ruby-purple with brilliant clarity, intense dark core, and slow-moving tears indicative of rich extract
Aroma Profile
Intense aromas of crushed blackberries, ripe plum, garrique (wild thyme, rosemary, lavender), dark chocolate, cracked black pepper, and subtle cured meat undertones
Tasting Notes
Expansive attack loaded with ripe black fruits and Mediterranean scrub. The mid-palate offers velvet texture balanced by dynamic fresh acidity. Finishes long with lingering notes of dark cocoa, liquorice, and crushed stone mineral.
Flavor Profile
Blackberry jam, dark cherry, tapenade, crushed black pepper, toasted oak, roasted herbs, and slate-like minerality
Body & Texture
Medium-plus to full-bodied with a plush, rounded texture, velvety mouthfeel, and rich concentration
Acidity & Tannins
Fresh, energetic acidity inherent to Pic Saint Loup's cooler microclimate; fine-grained, ripe, and structured tannins providing excellent backbone
Sweetness Level
Dry (Residual sugar < 2 g/L)
Alcohol Content
14.0% - 14.5% ABV
Aging & Oak
Aged partially in French oak barrels (a mix of new and neutral barrels for 12 months) and concrete/stainless steel tanks to balance micro-oxygenation and vibrant fruit freshness
Food Pairings
Grilled ribeye steak, slow-braised lamb shoulder with herbs de Provence, duck breast with berry reduction, rich wild mushroom risotto, aged Tomme de Savoie or Comté cheese
Serving Suggestions
Serve at 16-18°C (60-64°F) in large Bordeaux stems. Decant for 45-60 minutes before serving to let aromas unfold fully.
Price Range
$18 - $25 USD
Quality Assessment
89-92 points. An exceptional representation of Pic Saint Loup offering premium artisanal quality at a very accessible price point.
Production Methods
Hand-harvested at optimal maturity, strict sorting, gentle destemming, temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel and concrete tanks, extended skin maceration for 3-4 weeks with periodic light punch-downs.
Terroir
Limestone scree and clay soils situated at the foot of the Pic Saint Loup mountain. Benefits from cool night breezes off the Massif Central, creating high diurnal temperature shifts that retain freshness and floral nuances.
History & Heritage
Crafted by Benoît Viot, a former biomedical researcher who followed his passion for winemaking and established Domaine Le Chemin des Rêves in 2004. The winery focuses on organic viticulture and cuvées inspired by fairy tales and nature.
Interesting Facts
The name 'Le Grand Méchant Loup' translates to 'The Big Bad Wolf', playing visually and phonetically on the region name 'Pic Saint Loup' and featuring striking label artwork.
Cellaring Potential
Enjoyable upon release, but will cellar gracefully over 5 to 8 years from vintage year.
Similar Wines
Château de Cazeneuve Pic Saint Loup, Domaine de l'Hortus Grande Cuvée, Domaine Le Clos des Cazaux Vacqueyras, Domaine Montcalmès Terrasses du Larzac