Country - France

Region - Côtes du Rhône

Grape Varieties - 60% Syrah, 40% Grenache

Alcohol by volume - 14.5%

Bottle - 75cl

Les Vignerons d’Estézargues is a small, high quality co-operative founded in 1965 in the Gard département, 20 kilometres west of Avignon. There are 25 members, of which 50% are organically certified. 500 hectares in total, 98% of which owned by 10 members. 65-150 metres above sea level. Vines are 20 - 80+ years old. The wine is blended by oenologist Denis Deschamps to make a modern style, unoaked wine that reflects its origins in the hot southern Rhône Valley in France. It has a screwcap, still quite unusual in this region. Low temperature spontaneous fermentation (no cultured yeasts), around 15 days followed by light pressing, which gives the wine fruitiness and elegance. No sulphur is used on the grapes or in the fermentation, no acidification, no sugar addition. Natural malolactic fermentation. No fining, one racking only and very ‘small’ filtration when bottling early, to preserve character, texture and flavour.

This Côtes du Rhône has a clear, intense red colour and aromas of black and red currant. The wine is youthful and fresh in the mouth, with flavours of pepper and liquorice. Consume within one year of purchase.