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Anthony Gismondi on Wine
Château Pesquié Ascensiotext
93POINTS
17¼/20

Château Pesquié Ascensio 2018

Ventoux, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceChâteau Pesquié is a remarkable convergence of limestone soils, altitude, and old vines mined to spawn a series of three single vineyard labels that include Artemia, Silica, and this delight: Ascensio. Its name celebrates the tradition of the ascent of the Mont Ventoux, which goes back to the XIVth century. Ascensio is only produced in tiny quantities (less than 3000 bottles) and only in exceptional vintages from 50-80-year-old grenache vines. The fruit is farmed manually, and all treatments and composts used in the vineyard are organic. Alexander Chaudiere runs the winemaking. All ferments are done in stainless steel, but the ageing occurs in various vessels (tank, barrel or concrete) depending on the particular grape involved. In 2018 Ascensio is all about the power of super-ripe grenache fruit mixed with five percent syrah. It is a big wine with a rich and overpowering nose of black raspberries, dark plums, licorice, mineral, and dried herbs. Like all the Pesquie wines, it manages all its intensity by remaining fresh and vibrant. There is no rush to drink this intense red, but if you must, think of equally rich dishes like bœuf bourguignon or venison.Tasted: 30 November 2020Tasted by: Prices:
BC$99.99750mlselect private retailers
AB$94.99750mlselect private retailers
ON$119.95750mlconsignment Fall 2021
QC$90.75750mlSL
Producer: Château PesquiéDistributors: Appellation Wine Marketing
Blend: Grenache - SyrahCSPC: 163822UPC: 3760149593661