Cinsault
Natural, Organic, Vegan-Friendly
Dry
Full Bodied
750ml
13.5% alc./vol

Domaine Frédéric Brouca Samsó Seulle VDF 2021

Languedoc-Roussillon, France

92 points - Wine Align

$37.95per bottle ($455.40per case)
12 bottles per case

Musky & Floral

Unlike many winemakers, Frederic Brouca is largely self-taught and took no formal courses on viticulture or winemaking. His concept of growing grapes and winemaking focuses on reducing human intervention in the processes, and making it as natural as possible.

Samsó is the ancient local name for Cinsault and in the hands of Frédéric Brouca they happen to be 45 year-old, beautifully seasoned vines. What is immediately special, interesting, unique and exciting is the straight away Faugères moment, instantly recognizable yet wired in vine structure hyperbole. A hint of musk, or animale as we say is joined by char, tar, grilled herbs and roses just past their prime. But freshness is not compromised and red fruit is front and centre. The flavours go on forever so if they are your kind, you’ll never want them to dissipate.

Unfined, unfiltered with minimal sulfur added at bottling.

Press Reviews

Wine Align

92 points - Michael Godel

Samsó Seulle is varietal cinsault from 40-plus year-old bush vines on the 'La Serre' hill in Faugères. At the higher end for whole cluster ferments in the Fréderic Brouca range, here at 70 percent. Samsó is the local name for the grape and Brouca goes gentle and slow in his trenchant intention on how to deal with extracting without shock and awe. The grapes and thus the wine come out soft and “glissement,” even while the swarthy volatility runs knowably high. Brettanomyces yeasts are simply, allegedly and unequivocally part of the fabric but because flavours and textures are so pretty there is no chance of brittle or crumbly tannins. And so the overall effect is good, generous and proper. At least once in your lifetime your vinous imperative is to try a wine like this, especially from Brouca. Drink 2024-2028. Tasted January 2023.

92 points - Sara d'Amato

Named "Samsó" the local name for cinsault (and phonetically very similar), Brouca's fruit is sourced from organically grown, old vine cinsault that is over 40 years of age. Often vinified with a good deal of whole-cluster giving the wine its necessary grip and then slowly matured in neutral vessels to preserve the varietal character. There is more wildness in this cuvée than many of Brouca's others, with a palate that is brimming with dried earth, wildflower, and fresh herbs, along with a touch of mushroom and musk. A notably pure expression of grape variety and features the concentration one might expect from a low-yielding drought vintage. Notes of cherry, fennel and licorice root permeate the finish of very good length. Best now to 2028. Tasted January 2024.

91 points - David Lawrason

This is an organically grown single vineyard cinsault, a variety making paler, red fruited wines. It has a distinctive, soft ripe nose of strawberry jam, very floral lilac/peony, a touch of char and earth. There is also some meatiness expressed more on the palate. It is medium bodied, supple, warm and generous with slightly gritty tannin. Excellent fruit concentration and length. Tasted January 2024

90 points - John Szabo

Pure old vine cinsault (aka samsó) from the south of France, organically farmed and handled minimally, Brouca latest 2021 is a typically wild and vibrant, crunchy and juicy red declared at just 12.5% alcohol, part philosophy, part cooler, wetter vintage no doubt, and all the more lively for it. The palate is notably gritty with light but angular tannins bouncing off tingly acids, containing a mouthful of tart red fruit, from red currant to sour cherry, free from oak influence, but featuring lots of wild savoury herbs and twiggy flavours. The finish lingers surprisingly for such a light wine. Chill lightly and serve over the next 2-4 years. Authentic and honest; I like the lift and transparency. Tasted January 2024.