Le Clos des Grillons Terres Blanches Vieilles Vignes 2023

Terres Blanches Vieilles Vignes is the work of Nicolas Renaud at Le Clos des Grillons, a fourteen hectare organic estate around Rochefort du Gard in the southern Rhône, which he founded in 2005 after leaving a career teaching history and geography. The wine blends Garnacha Tinta and Syrah from old vines, farmed organically and made as a natural wine with minimal intervention and little or no added sulphur. The warm Mediterranean climate ripens the fruit fully, which is reflected in the 14.5 percent alcohol, while the white limestone and clay soils the name refers to retain water and keep the vines balanced through the dry summer. Garnacha brings ripe red fruit and warmth and Syrah adds colour, pepper and structure. Fermentation relies on native yeasts and the wine is barrel aged before bottling, with gentle oxygen exchange through the wood softening the tannins. The colour is deep red. The nose shows ripe raspberry and plum with black pepper, dried garrigue herbs, liquorice and an earthy, savoury edge. The palate is full bodied and warm, with ripe tannins, good freshness and a long, spiced finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees. Good with grilled lamb and game.