Mas Coutelou Classe 2022

Mas Coutelou Classe is a red wine from Jean-Francois Coutelou, a young grower reworking natural winemaking in Languedoc-Roussillon near Beziers. It blends Grenache, Carignan and Syrah grown organically under a hot Mediterranean sun, where long warm days push the fruit to full ripeness and give the wine its 14.5 per cent alcohol. Grenache brings sweet red fruit and body, Carignan adds acidity and dark colour, and Syrah contributes pepper and structure. The farming is organic and the cellar work minimal, with native yeasts and little added sulphur, so the wine keeps the direct, unpolished character of its site and vintage. The garrigue that surrounds the vines shows through as wild herbs and a dry savoury lift. Expect a deep red colour, a nose of raspberry and plum with black pepper and thyme, and a warm, rounded palate carried by soft tannins and a savoury, faintly earthy finish. Serve at 16 degrees, and open half an hour ahead to let the fruit settle. It suits grilled lamb, herb-crusted beef and aged sheep cheese.