Jean-Yves Péron La Maison Rouge 2022

Jean-Yves Péron trained in Bordeaux and learned with the natural winemakers Thierry Allemand and Bruno Schueller before returning to his native Savoie in 2004, setting up in the village of Chevaline. La Maison Rouge blends Mondeuse, a peppery alpine grape, with Gamay for red fruit and lift. The vines are old and planted at altitude, where cool alpine air and a long ripening season hold on to acidity and keep alcohol very low, at 10.5 per cent. That freshness is the signature of mountain wine. Péron farms organically and biodynamically, and the wine is made naturally, fermented with native yeasts and given twelve months in used French oak so the barrel adds texture without flavour. The colour is a bright, light red. The nose shows fresh raspberry and cherry over cracked black pepper, dried herbs and a touch of rose. The palate is light bodied and juicy, with fine tannin, brisk acidity and a clean, savoury finish. This is a red to serve cool, at 13 to 15 degrees. It suits charcuterie, roast pork, grilled sausages and lighter dishes.