2023 Frederic & Daniel Brunier Le Pigeoulet des Brunier, Southern Rhone

Always one of the Rhône’s great everyday overachievers, Le Pigeoulet is where the Brunier family lets things stay a little more relaxed while still keeping that unmistakable southern Rhône identity. Sourced from a mix of higher altitude vineyards around Ventoux and neighbouring sites, the 2023 vintage shows plenty of brightness alongside the region’s classic warmth and spice.

Aromatics are lively and open, red cherry, raspberry and plum with a lift of violet. There is a thread of garrigue running through it, thyme, rosemary and a touch of pepper, along with a faint earthy note that adds depth without weighing it down.

On the palate it is medium bodied with a soft, juicy core of fruit, supported by fine, easy tannins and a line of freshness that keeps everything moving. It finishes with a lightly savoury, herbal edge and a gentle spice note that gives it just enough grip.

Winemaking is all about drinkability, gentle handling and minimal fuss, allowing the fruit and regional character to come through clearly.

This is where you can lean into bold, flavour packed dishes. Think lamb shawarma with garlic yoghurt, spicy pork and fennel meatballs, or a wood fired pizza with roasted capsicum and anchovy. It also pairs beautifully with more unexpected options, like grilled halloumi with chilli honey, smoky baba ghanoush with flatbread, or a lentil and roasted carrot salad with cumin and herbs, the wine’s bright fruit and savoury notes slot straight into those flavours.

Serve it slightly chilled and it becomes even more vibrant, the kind of wine that disappears quickly once opened.