France - Matthieu Barret, `Petit Ours` Côtes-du-Rhône Rouge

The ‘Petit Ours’ Côtes-du-Rhône, meaning ‘little bear’, is 100% Syrah sourced from vineyards planted on clay and gravel soils surrounding the village of Visan, next to Vinsobres. Situated at 150-250 metres altitude on north-facing slope, the vineyards produce grapes with excellent freshness. They are farmed organically and worked using biodynamic methods, in keeping with Matthieu’s philosophy.

The wine has a very expressive nose with layers of blackberry and black cherry fruit. The palate has smooth and well-integrated tannins with juicy black fruit and a touch of white pepper on the finish.