Domaine Gayda Villa Mon Rêve 2020

Domaine Gayda make Villa Mon Rêve in AOC Minervois la Livinière, a cru carved out of the wider Minervois in the Languedoc for its higher, more concentrated reds. The wine blends Syrah and Grenache, the two grapes that define the southern French style, and is farmed organically. La Livinière sits on poor limestone and stony slopes at altitude, where the heat and intense sun of the Mediterranean climate ripen the fruit fully while the elevation and cool nights hold acidity and freshness. Those stony, well-drained soils restrict vigour and concentrate the wine. It is raised for twenty months in barrel, a long ageing that softens the firm tannins of Syrah through slow oxygen exchange and adds spice and structure, while malolactic fermentation rounds the acidity. The colour is deep, dark red. The nose shows ripe plum and dark berries, black pepper, liquorice, a touch of smoke and a garrigue-like dried-herb note typical of the south. The palate is full bodied and warming, with ripe tannins, good freshness and a long, savoury, spiced finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees in a large glass, ideally opened ahead. It suits roast and grilled red meats, lamb and game.