Maison Orcia Vacqueyras 2019

Maison Orcia is the project of young winemaker Jean-Philippe Manchès in Vacqueyras, a southern Rhône appellation next to Châteauneuf-du-Pape that gained its own status in 1990. The blend is the classic southern Rhône trio of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. The region is hot and dry, with stony, sandy and clay-limestone soils and the drying Mistral wind, which together push the grapes to full ripeness and give the wine its 14.5 percent and its concentration. Grenache provides ripe red fruit and warmth, Syrah adds colour, pepper and dark fruit, and Mourvèdre brings structure and a savoury, meaty depth. The wine ages twelve months in concrete tanks rather than oak, an inert vessel that preserves the bright, spiced fruit and the garrigue herb character without adding wood flavour. The colour is deep red. The nose carries spiced cherry, plum and raspberry over wild thyme and a touch of liquorice, and the palate is concentrated, full and well structured, herbal and peppery on a long finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees. It is built for roast and grilled lamb, beef stew and herb-crusted meats.