Maison Orcia Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2020

Maison Orcia is the negociant label of Jean-Philippe Manches, and this is his Chateauneuf-du-Pape, a Grenache led blend rounded out with Mourvedre and Syrah. The appellation lies in the southern Rhone, where many of the vineyards are covered in the large rolled pebbles known as galets that store the daytime heat and release it overnight, driving the grapes to full ripeness. The warm, dry Mediterranean climate and low yields concentrate the fruit, while Mourvedre brings firm tannin and a savoury, meaty note and Syrah adds colour and pepper to the generous Grenache core. The wine spends twelve months in concrete tanks and barrel, a raising that builds structure and softens the tannins while keeping the ripe fruit to the fore. The colour is deep ruby. The nose shows ripe black and red fruit with pepper, liquorice, dried herbs and a touch of leather, and the palate is full bodied and structured with warm alcohol, firm tannins and a long, spiced finish. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees, decanted for an hour. Good with roast lamb, game and hearty stews.