Grange Saint Andre (Olivier Pichon)
Gard, Languedoc, France
After a previous career working as a social worker in the busy city of Lyon, Olivier Pichon staged with friend and fellow vigneron (and fellow “straight job” escapee) Thierry Forestier in Souvignargues, a small village located between the Cevennes and the Camargue, 20km from Nimes in the Languedoc. Olivier worked with Thierry from 2015 on, and they have remained friends and fellow travelers as Olivier began making his own wine in 2018.
Olivier currently farms four hectares of vines planted to Grenache, Cinsault, Carignan, Syrah and Grenache Blanc, aged from 10 to 40 years. The vines are planted on sandstone slopes in an area marked by wide diurnal shifts thanks to the influence of Mount Aigoual and of the Cevennes range. Vines are pruned mostly in goblets and worked in the spring with light plowing at the beginning of the summer. All grapes are hand-picked. Olivier vinifies in the simplest, most natural and non-interventionist way possible. Domaine Grange St. Andre is organic (not certified).
Our Selections
Grange Saint Andre Syrah Stella Maris Vin de France 2022
From a 0.9 ha plot of 20+ year old Syrah vines planted to clay and sandy soils. Whole cluster fermentation in stainless steel tanks for 3-4 days followed by an additional 7 months in tank before bottling with no SO2 added. The vines, planted to goblet, benefit from warm summer days and cool nights, due to the influence of Mont Aigoual and of the Cévennes.
Bursting with bright and crunchy blue fruits on the nose. Whole cluster fermentation gives the Stella Maris an effusive quality along with the classic Syrah notes of blueberry and bacon fat. Very soft and juicy on the palate with an electric energy that makes it a terrific, gulp-able bistro wine.
Grange St Andre Le Marmot Vin de France 2023
80% Cinsault, 15% Grenache, and 5% Carignan from a two-hectare plot planted to clay-limestone and sandy-clay soils. The 30+ year-old vines are hand picked, pressed, and fermented with whole cluster in stainless steel tank. This is a light, peppery fruity Cinsault with great freshness and lift. Ideally served slightly chilled.
Grange St Andre Grenache de Gres Vin de France 2021
A blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Cinsault from a one-hectare plot of 17- to 30-year-old vines planted to sandy, clay, limestone soils. Whole cluster fermentation in concrete tank for 3-4 days with no topping up and no SO2 added. The wine rests in tank for seven months before bottling. This is an easy drinking, light, fruity and fresh Grenache/Cinsault blend with hints of fruits du bois. A very glou glou Grenache with a touch of acidity to give tone. Perfect to cool you off this summer.