Clos du Rouge Gorge Hors Champ Une Vie La Nuit 2023

Clos du Rouge Gorge Une Vie La Nuit is a single variety Syrah from the Cotes Catalanes, made by Cyril Fhal at his small estate in Latour de France in Roussillon. The winery farms around six hectares biodynamically, with vines up to a hundred years old, and vinifies with minimal intervention so that the grape and the terroir lead. The Roussillon sun ripens Syrah fully, but the old, deep rooted vines and the schist and granite soils of the foothills keep yields tiny and lend freshness and a stony, savoury grip; picked early, the wine holds a moderate 13 percent. Minimal intervention winemaking, with little added and a gentle hand, preserves the variety's perfume and a fine, supple texture. The colour is deep, bright ruby. The nose shows red berries and plum over black pepper, smoke, olive and Mediterranean herbs, the savoury, peppery signature of cool picked Syrah. The palate is medium to full bodied and fresh, with fine, ripe tannin and a long, savoury finish. Serve at 16 degrees in a large glass; decant young bottles to open the reductive, smoky edge. It suits grilled lamb, beef and game.