M. Chapoutier Belleruche Rouge 2024

Chapoutier Belleruche Rouge is a red from the AOC Côtes du Rhône, made by Maison Chapoutier, an emblematic Rhône Valley house founded in 1808 and now run by Michel Chapoutier, a pioneer of biodynamic farming in the region. It is a blend led by Grenache with a smaller share of Syrah, the classic Southern Rhône pairing. The warm Mediterranean climate ripens Grenache fully, giving the wine its ripe red fruit and rounded body, while Syrah adds colour, pepper and a darker, savoury depth. The stony soils common across the Côtes du Rhône drain freely and reflect heat back into the canopy, helping the fruit ripen evenly. This is an unoaked wine, made to show fresh fruit rather than barrel character, so the tannins stay supple and the palate stays juicy and approachable. The colour is bright ruby. The nose leads with raspberry, strawberry and plum, lifted by ground pepper and dried Provençal herbs. The palate is medium bodied and rounded at 13.5 percent, with soft tannins and ripe fruit, finishing on red cherry and a savoury, herbal note. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees. Good with grilled lamb, sausages and roasted vegetables.