Domaine Sicard Hommage à Ellie

The Wine:

Hommage à Elie is a powerful and expressive red from the Minervois. This Grand Cru from Sicard has been crafted as a tribute to tradition, place, and time. This is a structured, age worthy wine that combines concentration with finesse, shaped by careful vineyard selection and extended maturation.

Winegrowing:

The vineyards sit on clay limestone soils with a high proportion of stones, located on the first foothills of the Montagne Noire in the commune of Aigues Vives. These conditions naturally limit yields, averaging 38 hl per hectare, allowing the vines to produce grapes with depth, intensity, and balance.

Winemaking:

The grapes are hand harvested and transported in small wagons to preserve quality. Fermentation takes place traditionally in epoxy lined concrete tanks, followed by malolactic fermentation. The wine is then transferred to 225 litre oak barrels from the Allier and Tronçais forests, where it is aged for 18 months. This careful élevage brings structure, complexity, and harmony to the final wine.

Tasting Notes:

Colour: Deep garnet, showing intensity and concentration.
Nose: Intense and spicy, with aromas of vanilla, white pepper, and toasted dried fruits.
Palate: Complex and dense, revealing layers of cocoa, vanilla, and exotic spices. The tannins are textured and firm, carrying through to a long, persistent finish that will soften and integrate beautifully with time.

Pairing:

An excellent match for red meats, cassoulet, and game birds such as pigeon or guinea fowl. Also pairs well with strong, mature cheeses.

Serving & Cellaring:

Serve between 16 and 18°C. This wine has excellent ageing potential and will continue to develop over 8 to 10 years.