Sommelier note: This fine family domaine has been making wine here in the Saint-Chinian appellation for many generations now. A very good example how succession in the family can work beautifully. Saint-Chinian has a very complex ‘Terroir’, but is dominated by two main soil types: schiste (slate) on one part and clay/limestone on the other. Domaine des Jougla has their vineyards on both types so this gives diversity. All the vines are situated within the ‘garrigue’ , the mix of aromatic vegetation containing pine trees, oak, and herbs like rosemary, wild fennel and thyme. A big part of the aromas come from this complex vegetation! Laurence Jougla is responsible for the vinification. Another Leading Lady of the Languedoc.
 
Ancestrale is a truly majestic wine! With a majority of Mourvèdre in the blend this is a wine with structure and mouth feel. Deep red fruit dominates, followed by lots of herbs and spices (garrigue) with a rich finish and firm but velvety tannins. Definitely wine-with-food wine. Open this bottle at least one hour in advance to reveal all the detail. Think red meat, grilled steaks, Sunday roasts with this wine. Will keep for at least 5 years in good condition but is lovely to drink now.