Domaine la Barroche Liberty 2021

Domaine la Barroche is a family estate in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, a southern Rhône appellation it has farmed across many generations, with a shift to bottling its own wine from 2002 that sharpened the quality across the range. Liberty is the entry red, Grenache led and completed with Mourvèdre, Syrah, Cinsault and other permitted varieties from organically tended vines. The galets and clay soils of the appellation retain daytime heat and release it overnight, ripening Grenache to its plush, alcohol-rich style while the warm Mediterranean climate concentrates dark fruit. Ageing in large 600 litre demi-muids limits oak contact relative to small barrels, so oxygen exchange softens the tannins and rounds the texture without layering on vanilla, keeping the focus on fruit and the savoury garrigue character of the region. The wine is deep ruby, with a nose of ripe plum and black cherry, dried thyme, black pepper and a leathery, earthy edge. The palate is full and warming at 14.5 percent, broad and supple, closing on liquorice and spice. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanting an hour ahead. It suits roast lamb, beef daubes and game.