2016 Domaine d'Ourea Vacqueyras Organic Rhone Valley

Sourced from the lower terraced lands of the northern part of Vacqueyras, from the blue and yellow clay on the plateau des Garrigues which was planted in the 1950’s with a density of 10,000 plants per hectare. Also some from a plot in ‘Pendants’ with blue and yellow clay soil which gives richness and depth and a more silky texture to the wine. Using whole bunches the wine goes through a very gentle maceration, which he describes as more like an infusion before maturing for 18 months in large cement tanks. The wine is bottled without fining or filtration.

‘A blend of 70% Grenache with 20% Syrah and 5% each of Carignan and Cinsault, the 2016 Vacqueyras offers up attractive aromas of garrigue, orange zest, cinnamon and stone fruit. It's full-bodied and balanced by bright acidity, which accentuates the presence of tannins on the finish. Give this one another year or two to settle down and drink it over the next five years.’