Oh heavens, where to begin.  After two years of  Conception and Gestation, the Old Vine Grenache Project is a bone fide reality.  I started with some vague idea about old vine grenache and France but had no idea that it would become this.

Yesterday, the 12th of March I bottled 629 cases of spectacular juice sporting a new label.  The beautiful design was created by Chris Noud from Head for Design and the exquisite printing was executed by CRUSH.

The wine is a collaboration of the Calvets et moi

When I arrived at the domaine yesterday I was as nervous as a school girl on her first date…with the one. For the first hour my heart was in my throat as I sweated each detail.  And incredible as it may seem the bottling went without a hitch.  After an hour I replaced Marie on the bottling line (truly, she had more important things to do in the office) and that mindless repetition finally calmed my nerves.

The Bottling Truck Arrives

The Whole Family at Work

The Whole Family at Work: Roger, the Father of Jean-Roger

 

Checking Every Detail

Double Checking Every Detail

Marie's GREAT Grandfather

Double Blessed by Marie's Grandfather

 

The Concrete Tank

And Finally: The Darling in Front of Her Childhood Home; the Concrete Tank

That evening I shared a simple dinner chez Calvet and I seemed quite in control of myself but when I finally reached the apartment I went emotionally ballistic. I was so overwhelmed by the reality of it all that I sat for a couple of hours listening to music and crying like I had lost my best friend.  The joy that I felt was fantastic.

In fact, there is a bit more to March 12, 2012.  I also bought (with my cool cousin Rock and his wife Marnie and David of course) two small vineyard parcels with approximately 1.37 ha of old vine grenache.  I am sure it is clear at this point that the day was filled with just so much joy that my poor old system just wept with gratitude.  Sadly, David was not here (someone has to bring in an income!) but with the miracle of the internet we talked and talked throughout the evening.  Thankfully one can type through the tears.  Of course none of this could have happened without his love, support, and constant consultation.

But before the Irish in me takes over and maudlin becomes a dirty word it is indeed time to refocus and to keep on moving. On Wednesday I leave for Navarre, Spain and have my first appointment at 11:00 am on Thursday.