Mas Coutelou Quoi qu’il en goutte 2020

Mas Coutelou is Jeff Coutelou's natural wine estate at Puimisson in the Languedoc, near Béziers, and this cuvée was named for the uncertainty of 2020. It is a blend of Syrah and Carignan drawn across two vintages, with 2019 fruit married to the 2020 harvest, which adds depth and complexity. Farming is organic and the winemaking natural, made with minimal intervention and no oak, so the wine, raised in concrete, keeps its dark fruit and freshness intact. The Languedoc's warmth ripens Syrah for its dark fruit and pepper, while old vine Carignan brings structure and a savoury lift; the two together give a wine that is intense yet lively. At 14.5% alcohol it is full but balanced. It pours an intense, dark red. The nose is led by black fruit with red berries, black pepper, liquorice and wild herbs. The palate is juicy and complex, the tannins ripe and the finish long and savoury. As a natural wine it benefits from a short decant. Serve at 17 degrees. It suits grilled and roasted red meats and rich tomato dishes.