Winemakers (and friends) Pedro Parra, François Massoc, Paco Leyton, and Albert Cussen feature prominently on this wine’s label. Pour Ma Gueule means, basically, “for my mouth” or, more colloquially, “for my maw” or “gullet;” Clos de Fous means they’re all crazy.
But don’t let the French fool you. This is a Chilean wine, from the Itata region. The blend is 76 percent Cinsault, 16 percent País, and 8 percent Carignan, all grown in granite. The fruit fermented with cultured yeast and the wine was raised in concrete. About 3,300 cases were made.
As the label insinuates, it’s glou-glou. A deep cherry red, the wine has a fresh-washed fragrance of violets, licorice, spiced blackberries, and fresh basil. Texturally it’s simpler and more direct, with firm acidity and moderate tannins, plus flavors of black cherries and black raspberries. It finishes with a somewhat woodsy-black note, a little bitter.
It’s a curiosity but a fun wine at this price. Pair it with roasts, game, charcuterie — anything rich and spiced.
2017 Clos des Fous Pour Ma Gueule Red Blend Itata
13.7% ABV | $15; imported by Brazos Wine Imports
