M. Chapoutier Châteneauf-du-Pape Barbe Rac 2025

M. Chapoutier, the biodynamic and organic Rhone maison founded in 1808, makes Barbe Rac from old-vine Garnacha Tinta in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, in the warm southern Rhone. The appellation is known for its galets roules, the large rounded stones that cover many vineyards, storing the day's heat and releasing it overnight to ripen Grenache fully. The hot, dry Mediterranean climate and the old, low-yielding vines give concentrated fruit and high natural alcohol, balanced by the savoury garrigue character of the wild herbs that grow around the vines. The wine is aged sixteen months in barrel, where slow oxygen exchange rounds the tannin and adds a fine spice frame without dominating the rich fruit. The colour is deep and dark. The nose shows ripe black fruit and plum with dried herbs, black pepper, liquorice and a warm, earthy note. The palate is full, generous and structured, with ripe tannin, warming intensity and a long, savoury finish. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees and decant for an hour. It suits roasted and grilled red meats and rich game.