Penultieme 2022

The second-to-last — that's what "Pénultième" means. Calek's most contemplative red, and the one that surprises people the most. 90% Merlot with 10% Viognier co-fermented, from his estate in Alba-la-Romaine, Ardèche. The Viognier is not here for flavour — it's a structural lift that tightens what might otherwise be a very heavy wine.

Andrea Calek trained under Gérald Oustric and has farmed the same 5 hectares in southern Ardèche since 2007 without chemical input of any kind. His philosophy: let the vintage speak, add nothing, remove nothing.

The Pénultième gets a long 30-day maceration followed by 12 months in old 228-litre barrels — the longest élevage of any wine in the range.

What makes Andrea Calek's Pénultième Merlot different?

The result is not the fruit-forward, plush Merlot you might expect.

This is a rustier, wilder animal. Less fruit than you'd predict, more mineral — there's an iron-laced earthiness running through the mid-palate that feels like Ardèche limestone rather than ripe Bordeaux.

Ripe red and black fruits in the background plus wood spice but it's the structure that dominates: firm tannins, real length, and a finish that lingers long after the glass is empty.

A wine for ageing. Ideally hold until 2027–2029 for peak drinking, or open now alongside a rich cassoulet and give it time in the glass to breathe. But finish in one sitting, as it will unlikely hold open overnight