Ollieux-Romanis - Lo Petit Fantet d'Hippolyte Rouge

Corbières is the largest appellation of the Languedoc, and one of the most geologically varied regions in France. Like much of the Languedoc, quality is dependent on location – vineyards at higher altitudes experience cooler nights, allowing grapes to retain acidity, without which wine can taste flabby, lifeless and alcoholic. Chateaux Ollieux-Romanis is situated on one such escarpment, cooled by sea breezes from the nearby Mediterranean. 

Lo Petit Fantet d’Hippolyte is named after owner Pierre’s younger son – the name literally translates from Occitan as ‘The Little Child Hippolyte’ – and the label features one of his drawings. A blend of Carignan, Syrah and Grenache, Lo Petit Fantet is more in the style of a Beaujolais than the typical heavy reds of the region, showing notes of kirsch, raspberries and poached plums, with a pleasant herbal undertow. The Carignan provides suitable freshness, and gentle maceration ensures soft tannins. One to chill for half an hour.