Mas Coutelou Matubu 2021

Mas Coutelou is Jeff Coutelou's small organic estate at Puimisson in the Languedoc, near Béziers, and Matubu is one of its fresher cuvées, a blend of Carignan, Grenache and Syrah. It is made for early drinking rather than long ageing, and the winemaking reflects that, with fermentation and maturation in concrete tanks that keep the wine fresh and let the fruit speak without any oak flavour. Farming is organic and the wine is natural, made with minimal intervention. The Languedoc heat ripens the Grenache and Syrah for red fruit sweetness, while Carignan brings acidity and a peppery lift, and the cellar's cool concrete preserves that freshness. At 14% alcohol it stays light on its feet. It pours a bright, youthful red. The nose shows vibrant red fruits, especially strawberry and cherry, with black pepper and a dried herb note. The palate is juicy and fresh, the tannins light and the finish clean. This is a wine to enjoy young and it takes a light chill well. Serve at 15 degrees. It suits charcuterie, roast chicken and tomato dishes.