(LOS ANGELES, CA; March 3, 2017) — Domaine de Cala, the passion project of acclaimed Patina Restaurant Group Chef and Founder Joachim Splichal, makes its debut in the U.S. market with two wines – the 2016 Domaine de Cala Rosé and 2016 Domaine de Cala Prestige Rosé – in late March. Hailing from vineyards dotting the rolling hills of Brignoles, in France’s legendary Provence region, these wines are brightly flavored, elegant and express the distinct character of the winery’s terroir, climate, and vines.
With the goal of realizing his lifelong dream of having a winery in Provence where he began his culinary career, Splichal tasked French wine broker and real estate agent Thibaud Desprets with finding the perfect property, which presented itself in the form of a winery owned by a family with 60 years of winemaking history on the land. After acquiring the winery in 2015, Splichal continued the tradition of keeping the winery a family operation by making his twin sons, Nicolas and Stephâne, partners in the operation. Splichal then added acclaimed global winery consultant Stephane Derenoncourt, who calls on an all-encompassing approach that avoids relying on pure science —developed throughout his 35-year, self-taught career—as well as consideration for nature and recognition of those who bring fine wines to life. Derenoncourt will spearhead the winemaking for future red wine releases for Domaine de Cala. Winemaker Bruno Tringali, a Provence resident and rosé specialist, seeks to harmonize the terroir with a human touch, and this approach results in complex, sensual, and feminine rosés, both vibrantly flavorful and well-balanced. Technical manager François Rigord rounds out the Domaine de Cala team.
“Having started my career in Provence, I fell in love with the place – its people, food, climate, and, of course, the wine, and wanted to share this passion for the Provencal lifestyle,” says Splichal. “Through Domaine de Cala, I’m able to convey the sense of a place that means so much to me.”
Tasting Notes:
2016 Domaine de Cala Rosé
50% Cinsault, 25% Grenache, 18% Syrah, 7% Rolle (Vermentino); Coteaux Varois; ABV 13.5%; $14.95
Color: Crystalline rose-peach
Bouquet: White flower, lemon, peach
Flavor: Vivid and powerful presence on the palate marked by a roasted character and sharp balance; complex mix of spicy and fruity notes with a long, saline finish
Pairings: White meat or fish
2016 Domaine de Cala Prestige Rosé
57% Grenache, 27% Syrah, 16% Rolle (Vermentino); Coteaux Varois; ABV 13%; $23.95
Color: Shiny, clear, salmon-pink
Bouquet: Initial aromas of grapefruit and citrus give way to those of cherry and strawberry
Flavor: Balanced mouthfeel bolstered by aromatic red fruits and a silky texture, finishing with a palpable yet light draw
Aging: Three months in oak barrels
Pairings: Sweet, citrus desserts
The 2016 Domaine de Cala Rosé and 2016 Domaine de Cala Prestige Rosé will be available in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Nevada, Texas and Wisconsin and at all Whole Foods stores in the Western U.S. For more information on Domaine de Cala, visit www.domainedecala.com.
About Domaine de Cala
Proprietor Joachim Splichal,chef and founder of Patina Restaurant Group, returned to Provence, France, where he began his storied culinary career, to achieve the culmination of his lifelong appreciation for wine: Domaine de Cala. Situated on 450 acres in Brignoles, the winery calls on internationally acclaimed Winery Consultant Stéphane Derenoncourt to oversee the winery operations and make its red wines; Provençal rosé expert Winemaker Bruno Tringali to make its rosés; and Technical Manager François Rigord to manage the vineyard. Established in 2015 by Splichal and his partners, sons Stephàne and Nicolas Splichal, Domaine de Cala released its first vintage in 2015, and then broke into the market with the release of its 2016 rosé and 2016 Prestige rosé in 2017. The property boasts a 60-acre vineyard, truffle trees, wild boar, an updated 18th-century farmhouse, and an expansive, architecturally stunning winery and tasting room (opening in Summer 2017) designed by French architects Michel Roberts and Eric McDonald. Follow Domaine de Cala on Instagram, and Vimeo.
