Majas Rouge 2024

Majas Rouge is a red from the Cotes Catalanes in Roussillon, made by Agnes and Alain Carrere with the South African winemaker Tom Lubbe. The estate lies in the Fenouilledes valley, an unusual landscape where vineyard sits beside meadow and forest, farmed organically and with minimal intervention. The wine blends Carinena and Garnacha. The cool, higher Fenouilledes air and the schist soils preserve acidity and give the wine its fresh, mineral character, while the Mediterranean sun ripens the fruit and the moderate 13.2 percent keeps it light on its feet. Made for early drinking, it is vinified without oak ageing and with a gentle hand, so the focus stays on bright, pure fruit and the variety's fresh structure rather than wood. The colour is bright, youthful ruby. The nose shows red berries, cherry and redcurrant over black pepper, dried herbs and a stony, earthy edge. The palate is light to medium bodied and juicy, with soft tannin, fresh acidity and a clean, savoury finish. Serve at 14 to 15 degrees, lightly cool to lift the fruit; no decant is needed. It is an easygoing red for charcuterie and lighter meat dishes.