M. Chapoutier Gigondas Les Jocasses 2021

M. Chapoutier is a long established Rhone family house, founded in 1808 and farmed biodynamically across its holdings. Les Jocasses is its Gigondas, from the Southern Rhone appellation set below the jagged Dentelles de Montmirail. The blend is led by Grenache Noir with Syrah and Mourvedre. Gigondas sits at altitude on stony limestone and clay slopes, where warm days ripen Grenache to a rich, generous style while cooler mountain nights and elevation preserve freshness and aromatic lift. Grenache brings ripe red fruit and warming alcohol, Syrah adds colour, pepper and structure, and Mourvedre contributes tannin and a savoury, meaty depth. Ageing in wood rounds the tannin through slow oxygen exchange and knits the blend together. Colour is deep ruby. The nose shows ripe raspberry and plum with black pepper, liquorice, dried Provencal herbs and a note of leather. The palate is full bodied and warm, with ripe tannin, good acidity for the style and a long, spiced, savoury finish. Decant for half an hour and serve at around seventeen degrees. It suits roast lamb, beef and game.