2024 Frederic & Daniel Brunier Le Pigeoulet des Brunier, Southern Rhone

Le Pigeoulet has always been the Brunier family’s calling card for pure, drinkable southern Rhône character, and the 2024 vintage leans right into that brief. Sourced from a mix of higher altitude sites around Ventoux and the broader region, it captures the freshness and energy that come from cooler nights, while still delivering that familiar Rhône warmth and spice.

The aromatics are open and inviting, red cherry, raspberry and juicy plum, with a lift of violet and a gentle dusting of spice. There is a savoury thread running through it, dried herbs, a touch of pepper and a hint of earth, giving it more interest than a simple fruit driven red.

On the palate it is medium bodied with a soft, flowing feel, built around supple tannins and a line of freshness that keeps everything lively. The fruit is bright and generous without becoming heavy, finishing with a lightly savoury, herbal edge and a touch of spice that lingers just enough.

Winemaking is all about approachability here, gentle extraction and minimal fuss allowing the blend to stay vibrant and easy to enjoy while still reflecting its southern Rhône roots.

This is a wine that really rewards a bit of creativity. Try it with grilled lamb flatbreads with yoghurt and herbs, spicy sausage and fennel pasta, or even a smoky barbecue chicken with paprika and lemon. It also works brilliantly with vegetarian dishes that bring flavour and texture, think roasted pumpkin with chilli and labneh, mushroom and walnut tacos, or a tomato, olive and caper bake, the wine’s juicy fruit and herbal notes slot straight into those combinations.

Serve it with a slight chill and it becomes dangerously easy to drink, perfect for relaxed nights when you still want something with a bit of character.