Anne Sophie Pic & Michel Chapoutier Côtes du Rhône 2024

This Cotes du Rhone is a collaboration between Rhone producer Michel Chapoutier and chef Anne-Sophie Pic. The blend is Grenache and Syrah, the two pillars of the southern Rhone. The vineyards sit on a mix of clay, limestone and the rolled stones known as galets that store the day's heat and release it overnight, helping the grapes ripen evenly. The warm Mediterranean climate brings ripe fruit, while the mistral wind keeps the bunches dry and healthy. Grenache supplies red fruit, body and warmth, and Syrah adds colour, pepper and structure. The wine is raised without new oak, so the fruit and the herbal character of the surrounding garrigue stay in the foreground. The colour is deep crimson. The nose offers ripe raspberry and red cherry, plum, black pepper, dried thyme and a touch of liquorice. The palate is medium bodied and supple, with soft tannin, fresh acidity and a savoury, peppery finish. This is an easy, food friendly Rhone red. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees. It works with roast lamb, grilled sausages, herbed chicken and mushroom dishes.