Rouge 'Les Canons' Opi D'Aqui 2022

“Les Canons” is the most immediate and drinkable version of Opi d’Aqui. This label leaves no doubt about its intentions: “canon”, in the jargon of French wine enthusiasts, indicates a wine that is dangerously easy to drink, a “glu-glu” wine. The expression seems to have originated historically within Masonic tradition, when guests at a society meeting would strike their glasses in unison on the table before emptying them in one go, producing a sound akin to a cannon shot.

“Les Canons” is made by Opi d’Aqui from typical French grapes, more or less local: Syrah, one of the great international varieties originating from the Rhône Valley, sourced from the plot in the village of Aspiran, a few kilometers south of the winery, from 30-year-old vines; Mourvedre, one of the major varieties of the Midi, sourced from the vineyard located near Clermont-l’Herault. The soils are characterized by a clay-limestone matrix, while all the grapes are cultivated according to the rules of organic certification and based on the principles of biodynamic agriculture. The harvest is done manually, waiting for the full ripening of the bunches, which are then sent for separate vinification: carbonic maceration in steel tanks for the Syrah, while the Mourvedre is destemmed, directly pressed, and left on the skins for 15 days. At the end of the spontaneous alcoholic fermentations, carried out by indigenous yeasts only, the two bases are blended and undergo a period of aging in steel tanks for several months. Bottling is done without filtration or other manipulations, nor the addition of sulfites.

“Les Canons” by Opi d’Aqui already reveals its exciting vitality to the eye, with a purplish red hue with ruby reflections. The aromas are simple and delicious, all centered on floral notes, including prominent violet, and fruity aromas of small berries, like wild strawberries, combined with a pleasantly rustic funky nuance.pleasantly funky rustic. The tasting shows all the lightness and freshness of this composition, with almost vinous hints and a bite-and-run tannin, leading to an aromatic finish of good persistence. An example of a red for a snack, which pairs well with bread, salami, and simple cheeses.