Nicolas Carmarans Fer de Sang 2022

Nicolas Carmarans ran a pioneering natural wine shop in Paris before returning to Aveyron in southern Occitanie to make his own wines from reclaimed and abandoned plots. Fer de Sang is made from Fer Servadou, a robust local grape known for firm structure and dark berry fruit. The vineyards sit on the schist and granite soils of the upper Lot valley, where cool nights and a wide swing between day and night temperatures slow ripening and preserve acidity and aromatic detail. Carmarans works with minimal intervention, fermenting with wild yeast and no additions. The wine spends twelve months in oak barrels, which softens the grape's natural grip and adds a savoury frame without heavy toast. The result is a ruby coloured red of real finesse. The nose leads with fresh raspberry and red cherry, backed by black pepper and dried herbs. The palate is light at 11.5 percent, with fine tannin, bright acidity and an earthy, mineral finish. Serve at around 15 degrees, with a short decant to open the aromatics. It suits roast poultry, charcuterie and mushroom dishes.