NV Arcane Temperance

Arcane Le Tempérance marks the beginning of a new period for Xavier Vignon. Following many experiments, making and ageing wine in giant glass globes has become Vignon’s preferred method. He believes that glass is the only medium that doesn’t change the flavour or texture of the wine, allowing for pure site expression. Xavier chose the Cairanne appellation to showcase this process, as he believes the appellation produces the most pristine Grenache fruit. Le Tempérance – a multi-vintage blend of 2015, ’16, ’17 and ’18 – is his first release using the method, with 25% of the cuvée vinified and matured completely in glass. The wine has a lovely balance to it. The fruit is exceptionally pure – bright strawberry, raspberry and kirsch notes – with a gentle peppery spice too and good verve. The acidity provides nice tension to the wine, making it feel light on its feet and elegant. The detailed, silky tannins combined with the clarity of fruit show great pedigree, while the textural finesse adds to a long finish. The purity here is impressive.