Bila Haut V.I.T 2022

V.I.T comes from Domaine de Bila-Haut, Michel Chapoutier's estate in the Agly Valley of Roussillon, and is the top Côtes du Roussillon Villages bottling, blending Grenache and Syrah. The vineyards sit on schist and granite soils, poor and free draining, on slopes in this hot, dry corner behind the Mediterranean. The strong sunlight ripens the fruit fully while the Tramontane wind keeps the vines healthy and the wines fresh. The estate is farmed organically and biodynamically. The wine is aged 18 months in demi-muids, the larger 600 litre barrels that give gentler oak contact than barriques, and in stainless steel that keeps the fruit bright. The slower oxygen exchange of the larger wood firms the tannins and adds savoury depth without heavy toast. The colour is deep and dark. The nose carries ripe plum and dark berry with black pepper, liquorice and the wild scent of garrigue. The palate is full and warming at 15 percent, with ripe tannins, fresh acidity and a long peppery, herbal finish. It drinks well now and will hold for several years. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees, decant ahead, with grilled lamb or hearty meat dishes.