Château Pesquié Artemia Rouge 2022

Château Pesquié is a family estate run by Frédéric and Alexandre Chaudière in AOC Ventoux, on the western edge of the southern Rhône. Artemia Rouge blends Syrah and Grenache, the two grapes most representative of the Rhône, and is farmed biodynamically and organically. Ventoux sits in the shadow of Mont Ventoux, where vineyards at altitude on limestone and stony soils benefit from cool mountain air and a strong day-to-night temperature swing; this keeps the wines fresher and more aromatic than the warm Mediterranean climate alone would suggest, while the sun ripens the Syrah and Grenache fully. The wine is raised for fifteen months in barrels and cement tanks: the cement holds the fruit fresh and primary at a steady temperature, while the barrel adds structure and gentle spice through slow oxygen exchange, and malolactic fermentation softens the acidity. The colour is deep ruby. The nose shows ripe plum and dark berries, black pepper, liquorice, a garrigue-like dried-herb note and a touch of smoke. The palate is full bodied and intense, with ripe tannins, good freshness from the altitude and a long, savoury, spiced finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees in a large glass. It suits grilled and roast red meats, lamb and game.