Maison Orcia Côtes du Rhône Rouge 2019

Maison Orcia is the venture of Jean-Philippe Manches, a young negociant who has sourced and raised wines from across France since 2016. This Cotes du Rhone blends Grenache and Syrah from the southern Rhone, where the warm Mediterranean climate and free draining stony soils give Grenache its ripe, sweet red fruit and Syrah its darker fruit, pepper and structure. The wine is raised in concrete rather than oak, a choice that keeps the fruit clean and immediate and lets the temperature stable tanks settle the wine while preserving its freshness and aromatic lift. The result is a red built for early drinking rather than long ageing. The colour is bright ruby. The nose leads with red fruits and a touch of stone fruit lifted by peony and a light peppery spice, and the palate is silky, juicy and medium bodied with a velvety, fruit driven finish. Serve at 15 to 17 degrees. Good with roast chicken, grilled pork and lighter beef dishes.