From Handball to Wine Crazy: Mas du Fadan Rouge (not a Rhone Ranger)

If there was such a thing as Wine Olympics, handball player turned winemaker, David Fayet might get a spot in the competition.
A week ago, I was eager to find a red wine to compliment my pâté and cheese.

Upon spotting this Mas Du Fadan 'Rouge' (2006), I thought, well it is a Cotes du Ventoux , I have been happy with most of those I picked from the area recently (and in these Consumed to Thrifty times, it's only $11) so I decided to give it a shot.

After the first few sips, I knew I had a good pick on my hands.
I especially liked the spicy overtones. It was not one of these manufactured juices.

What's in the mix, in case you wondered: 45% Grenache, 45% Carignan, 10% Syrah. Made from 30+ year old vines.

I learned from Becky Wasserman Selections who helped Mas du Fadan find its way to American tables that "this 7.5 hectare estate is naturally fertilized thanks to goats, herbicides only if there is a grave problem, low yields."

One thing I did not know was that 'Fadan' is another word for 'Fada' which in popular French parlance means someone who lost their mind or is a little bit crazy.

So cheers for this new favorite!

Related: Rosé Number 2: Cotes du Ventoux « Cuvée Juliette » 2007