Mas Coutelou 7 Rue de la Pompe 2023

Mas Coutelou works organically in the Languedoc, in the south of France, and 7 Rue de la Pompe is bottled as Vin de France. The estate farms without synthetic inputs and the wine is made in the natural style, fermented with indigenous yeasts and raised in cement rather than oak. Concrete is inert and keeps the fruit clean and primary, holding freshness without adding wood flavour or vanilla, while its thermal mass steadies fermentation temperatures. The blend of Cariñena, Cinsault, Garnacha Blanca and Syrah is picked to favour drinkability over weight, and at 13.5% alcohol the balance is light on its feet. The colour is bright ruby. The nose is red berry fruit, rhubarb and dried garrigue herbs, with a savoury, earthy undertone. The palate is fresh and unforced, low in tannin, with raspberry and cherry fruit, a twist of black pepper and a clean finish. This is a red built for early drinking. Serve it lightly chilled at around 14C, which suits its cool-fruited, low tannin frame. It works well with roast chicken, charcuterie and lighter vegetable dishes.