Mont de Marie Anatheme Rouge 2020

Thierry Forestier is a passionate farmer and winemaker cultivating 12 hectares of beautiful vines in Souvignargues, a small village just 20 km from Nimes. He prioritises soil diversity and vine health across his picturesque vineyards planted on granite, clay, and sandy soils, that are framed by mature boxwood and oak trees. Thierry emphasizes working naturally, avoiding pesticides, herbicides, and winemaking pills and potions, producing beautiful wines from the likes of Aramon, Carignan, Cinsault, Grenache, Viognier, and Ugni-blanc.

Thierry's wine journey took a dramatic turn in 2017 when he collaborated with Eric Pfifferling of Domaine L'Anglore, inspiring him to adopt a lighter winemaking approach, eschewing oak for concrete, shortening macerations and easing up on the extraction. We never knew the wines before 2017 but we are very glad he made the change as the wines are pitch perfect, bright and transparent Languedoc expressions that continue to highlight the amazing work of the new wave of vignerons in the region.

Originally an IT consultant, Thierry transitioned to farming in 2002, despite not having farming experience. He chose Souvignargues for his vineyards and began with 5 hectares of old vines, he has since expanded to 12 hectares. His vineyards benefit from cool summer nights due to air currents coming in from the Mont Aigoual ranges.

Thierry has become a luminary in the area, advocating for more honest hands-off winemaking and careful farming. He assists young growers, offering guidance in the vineyard and sourcing grapes during challenging vintages too. We've had the wines on our shelves for a few years now and they have become a release we always look forward to. We've only got a dozen of each of the wines available this year so don't miss these if they sound like your thing. - Pete L