Château Pesquié Silica Rouge 2023

Château Pesquié is a family winery in the Ventoux, on the southern edge of the Rhône valley, where it works organically and biodynamically. The Silica Rouge comes from a single vineyard unusually rich in silicon, a mineral the estate links to vine health and which lends its name to the wine. Silica and sandstone soils drain freely and reflect warmth, while the elevated Ventoux site brings cool nights that hold acidity and slow ripening through a long season. The blend of Grenache and Cinsault is aged for around fifteen months in cement eggs and demi-muids. The egg shapes keep the wine in gentle motion on its fine lees without adding oak flavour, building texture and freshness, while the large used barrels allow slow oxygen exchange that softens tannin without obscuring the fruit. The colour is deep ruby. The nose carries ripe plum and red berries with garrigue herbs, thyme and a hint of black pepper. The palate is full and warm at 15.5 percent yet kept lively by a stony, mineral edge and supple tannin that lengthen the finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanted if young. It suits roast lamb, grilled beef and herb-roasted vegetables.