Les Vignes de Bila-Haut Rouge 2024

Les Vignes de Bila-Haut Rouge is a young red from AOC Côtes-du-Roussillon, made by Domaine de Bila-Haut, the Agly Valley project of Michel Chapoutier, from Syrah, Grenache and Cariñena. The fruit comes from plots on high slopes of the valley, where schist and granite soils drain freely and the warm, sunny Roussillon climate ripens the Mediterranean grapes fully, while altitude and cool nights keep the aromatics fresh. The grapes are picked by hand. The wine is made to show fruit and place rather than oak, keeping the focus on bright, primary character and the herbal lift typical of the region's garrigue scrub. The colour is deep, vivid ruby. The nose shows ripe red berries and plum, black pepper, liquorice and a note of dried Mediterranean herbs. The palate is medium to full bodied, generous and fresh, with supple tannin and a savoury, mineral finish. This is a versatile, food-friendly Southern French red for drinking now. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees. It suits grilled lamb, roast pork and beef.