Domaine Gramenon La Sagesse 2024

Domaine Gramenon La Sagesse is a Grenache red from the southern Rhône Valley, made by an estate founded in 1978 at Montbrison-sur-Lez and widely regarded as one of the region's reference natural producers. The domaine works old vineyards, including a plot more than a hundred years old, and farms biodynamically. The wines are made with almost no added sulphur and without filtration so the terroir reads clearly in the glass. The southern Rhône's stony, sun-baked soils and warm Mediterranean climate ripen Grenache fully, while the old vines give low yields of concentrated fruit. As a natural wine with native fermentation and minimal handling, the cellar work stays out of the way of the grape. The wine spends twelve months in French oak barrels, which softens the tannins through gentle oxygen exchange and adds a light savoury frame rather than overt toast. Expect a medium to deep red colour, a nose of ripe raspberry and cherry with garrigue herbs, pepper and a touch of liquorice, and a generous, warm palate carried by soft tannins and a fresh, earthy finish. It is certified organic and vegan. Serve at 16 degrees. Good with lamb, game and mushroom dishes.