Domaine Santa Duc Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Crau Ouest 2021

Domaine Santa Duc farms this Châteauneuf-du-Pape in the southern Rhône Valley, France, from a half-hectare parcel of pure Grenache in La Crau Ouest, an understated corner of the appellation near Rayas and Le Clos du Caillou. The vines grow on Miocene sands, a light, free-draining soil that gives Grenache an elegant, perfumed style rather than the heavy power of the area's famous galets roulés stones. The estate farms biodynamically and organically, and the warm Mediterranean climate, swept by the drying mistral wind, ripens the fruit fully while the herb-covered garrigue scrubland lends a savoury, wild character. The wine is aged eighteen months in clay vessels rather than oak. Clay is neutral and lightly porous, giving slow oxygen exchange that softens the tannins and keeps the fruit pure and lifted, with no wood flavour. The colour is a deep, bright red. The nose shows ripe blackberry, plum and red fruit over garrigue herbs, black pepper, liquorice and a savoury, earthy depth. The palate is full and supple, with fine tannins, fresh acidity and a long, spiced finish. Serve at around 17 to 18 degrees Celsius. It suits roast lamb and game.