Domaine Santa Duc Châteauneuf-du-Pape Pied De Baud 2021

Domaine Santa Duc is a southern Rhône estate, its name drawn from the Provençal for the singing owl that once roamed the land. Pied de Baud 2021 is a Châteauneuf-du-Pape led by Grenache with Cinsault and Mourvèdre, farmed biodynamically and organically. Châteauneuf sits on the warm, sun-baked plain north of Avignon, much of it covered in the large rounded galets stones that store the day's heat and release it overnight, driving the full ripeness that defines the wine. Grenache brings ripe red fruit and warmth, Mourvèdre dark structure and a savoury edge, Cinsault freshness and lift. Ageing runs eighteen months across clay amphora and oak barrel: the amphora keeps the fruit pure and the wine fresh, while the barrel resolves tannin through slow oxygen exchange, the two together adding texture without heavy oak. The colour is deep ruby. The nose shows ripe cherry and plum with the wild garrigue herbs of the region, black pepper, liquorice and a touch of leather. The palate is full bodied and warm, the tannins ripe and rounded, the finish long and spiced. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanted an hour ahead. It suits roast lamb, beef and game.