M. Chapoutier Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Grenade 2025

M. Chapoutier makes La Grenade in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, in the southern Rhône, from Grenache grown on the appellation's bed of rounded quartzite pebbles known as galets roulés. These stones store the day's heat and release it back to the vines through the night, driving the full ripening that gives Grenache its weight and high alcohol here. The site is dry and wind-swept, with old vines that crop low and concentrate fruit. Chapoutier works the vineyard biodynamically, intervening only as far as needed to keep the soil active and the fruit clean. The wine is aged in wood, where slow oxygen exchange softens the tannins and knits the fruit to a savoury frame. The colour is a light ruby with carmine glints. The nose is ripe and expressive, with red berries, plum, dried garrigue herbs, liquorice and black pepper over an earthy, leathery base. The palate is full and warm, the alcohol carried by ripe fruit and a stony, mineral grip that runs to a long, peppery finish. Serve at 16 to 18C, decanting an hour ahead; it suits roast lamb, beef and game.