- Red Wine
- Carignan, Grenache, Syrah
- Organic, Sustainable
- Dry
- 750ml
- 13.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Domaine Peter Sichel
Tucked away in a hidden valley in a remote corner of the Languedoc-Roussillon lies a truly special place: the village of Cucugnan. Historically, there was much wine produced here, given its isolated location, but gradually the local people moved away to the towns. There are now just 130 people living in the village. As the vineyards were left mostly abandoned, the local flora and fauna were permitted to thrive. Cucugnan became a unique area, full of biodiversity, which shines through in the rare plants and flowers that grow there today.
Peter Sichel (of the Bordeaux négociant family) first discovered this valley on a road trip with a friend in the 1960s. He was so spellbound by the place that he bought a house there and, in 1988, planted a vineyard. The project grew, albeit slowly, but the arrival of Peter’s thoughtful and environmentally inspired grandson, Alexander Sichel, has turned the Domaine Peter Sichel project completely around.
Since 2019, Alexander has converted the estate to organics and biodynamics, achieving organic certification in 2022. Furthermore, he is committed to supporting polyculture in and around the vineyards, even enlisting the help of a PhD programme from a Dutch university to identify the incredible array of plant life in the vineyard.
Alexander’s grandfather planted the vines between 30-40 years old. Parcels of Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, and Roussanne lie mostly on the best slopes of the valley. Starting from 350-500 metres’ altitude, these slopes have very little topsoil; the roots go almost straight into the bedrock. The viticultural team here has done much work to focus on the unique characteristics of each parcel to express the terroir of this stunning valley in the most authentic way.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
92 points - David Lawrason
This is a blend of organically grown syrah, carignan and grenache from the high altitude Cucugnan Mountains in the Languedoc. There is a lovely sense of firm delicacy to this wine, and the whole Domaine Peter Sichel range. The nose is lifted with red rose, cherry, fresh shrub/garrigue. It is midweight, quite firm and very well balanced, with excellent length. Age it a couple of years. Tasted January 2025
91 points - Michael Godel
Cucuniano, an almost Italain-esque expression as if to say “of Cucugnan.” Peter Sichel’s blend, of syrah, grenache and carignan grown on clay-lime soils at 400m. Feels closest in affinity with the straight grenache called Montanha with its transparency and brightness. The syrah does darken and infiltrate with a more meaty mineral streak but ultimately the Cunciano is predicated on finesse. Clean, a red blend of clarity, seamlessness and backbone to see it age well over a five year span. Drink 2026-2030. Tasted January 2025.
91 points - John Szabo, MS
Peter Sichel of Bordeaux fame found this property in the in the Valley of Cucugnan in the Corbières region over 30 years ago, but it would be his grandson, Alexandre Sichel, who would revive and bring it to its present state in 2019. Only the best 50% or vineyards were retained and the property quickly converted to biodynamic farming. Cucunianio, the ancient Occitan name for the village of Cucugnan, is composed of 44% Syrah, 38% Grenache, 18% Carignan, and it pours an attractive medium red colour and delivers an engaging mélange of red fruits and savoury Mediterranean scrub, with no evident wood influence. The palate shows plenty of energy and tension, and an especially silky-suave texture, seamless and supple, contained and supported by comfortably ripe and balanced acids. I really like the vibrancy and textural play, a wine of immediate and broad appeal while retaining the heart and soul of southern France, if more genteel and less rustic than many. Tasted January 2025.
91 points - Sara d'Amato
A harmonious blend of 44% syrah, 38% grenache, and 18% carignan, named after the historic village of Cucugnan. This light-to-midweight wine offers a refined yet effortlessly drinkable profile. Silky tannins frame an abundance of vibrant red berry fruit, subtly accented by a hint of pine needle. Reflecting its high-elevation origins, it boasts distinctive character and a true sense of place. Tasted January 2025.