L’Anglore Prima 2023

L'Anglore is Éric Pfifferling's estate in Tavel, in the southern Rhône, and he is one of the region's most respected natural growers, farming biodynamically after starting out as a grape farmer on his grandfather's vines. Prima is a light red built mainly on Grenache and Cinsault with a little of the white grape Clairette. Tavel's vineyards run over sandy soils and rolled quartz galets scattered with limestone, free-draining ground that reflects heat by day while the sandier plots give perfumed, delicate wines. The Mistral wind keeps the vines healthy and dry, and cool nights preserve freshness through the warm Rhône summer. The wine is made naturally with native yeasts, minimal handling and no additions, then aged in old barrels that let it settle without adding wood, so the emphasis stays on bright fruit and drinkability. It pours a pale, luminous red, with wild strawberry, red cherry and a lift of rose and white flowers over a saline, herbal freshness. The palate is light and juicy, with barely any tannin and a fresh, mineral finish. Serve lightly chilled at 13 to 14 degrees, with charcuterie, poultry or grilled fish.