Le Paradou Grenache Rouge 2024

Le Paradou is a southern French label producing this single-varietal Grenache Rouge under the broad IGP Méditerranée, drawn from vineyards across the warm Mediterranean belt of Provence and the southern Rhône. Grenache is the signature grape of the south, a late-ripening variety that thrives in heat and on the stony, free-draining soils of the region, reaching full sugar ripeness to give generous red fruit and a rounded, warm palate at 14 percent. The wine is made in a young, fruit-forward style with no oak ageing, which keeps the focus on bright primary fruit and the grape's natural freshness. Despite the alcohol it is built to be drunk young and even served lightly cool, a refreshing red for warm weather. The colour is a brilliant ruby red. The nose is full of fruit, with redcurrant, fresh cherry and a touch of plum, lifted by a gentle spicy, peppery tingle and a hint of dried herbs, and the palate is ripe and juicy, soft in tannin with a clean, warm finish. Serve at 14 to 16 degrees. It suits grilled lamb, roast pork and summer dishes off the barbecue.