Domaine Charvin Côtes du Rhone 2023

Domaine Charvin is a Rhône estate established in 1852, though it began bottling its own wine only when the sixth generation took over in 1990. Laurent Charvin runs the property and farms its hectares biodynamically near Châteauneuf-du-Pape. This Côtes du Rhône is a Grenache-led blend with Mourvèdre, Syrah and Carignan. The southern Rhône has a warm Mediterranean climate and stony, free-draining soils, often the rounded galets and sandy clay of the area, which store daytime heat and ripen Grenache to its characteristic ripe red fruit and 14 percent alcohol. Biodynamic farming keeps the soils alive and the vines balanced. The wine is aged in barrel, where measured oxygen exchange through the wood softens tannin and integrates the fruit while keeping the bright, peppery lift of the Syrah and the firm grip of the Mourvèdre. The colour is deep ruby. The nose shows ripe red berry and plum over black pepper, liquorice and the dried herb character of garrigue. The palate is full and warm, with supple tannin, generous fruit and a savoury, spiced finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees. It suits roast lamb, beef and game.