Les Sorcières du Clos des Fées 2024

Les Sorcières is the approachable red from Clos des Fées, the Roussillon estate run by Hervé Bizeul and his wife Claudine in the village of Vingrau, in the Agly Valley. It blends Syrah, Grenache and Carignan from the Côtes du Roussillon, a warm Mediterranean region of schist and granite soils cooled by altitude and the Tramontane wind, which together give ripe fruit while retaining freshness. Unlike the estate's oak-aged wines, this cuvée is raised in cement tanks for around eight months and kept on its fine lees, with no new oak. Cement holds a stable temperature and adds no wood flavour, so the fruit stays pure, while lees ageing lends a rounder texture and subtle depth through the slow breakdown of the yeast cells. The wine is deep, bright ruby. The nose is fresh and fruit driven, with raspberry, cherry and plum, cracked black pepper and a touch of dried Mediterranean herb. The palate is juicy and supple, the tannins soft, the acidity keeping it lively through a clean, peppery finish. Serve at 15 to 16 degrees. It is a versatile red for grilled meats, roast poultry and everyday dishes.