Les Deux Cols ‘Chemin des Fonts’ 2017/18, Cotes du Rhone, France

About Les Deux Cols: Simon Tyrrell, Charles Derain and Gerard Maguire (of 64wine) own Les Deux Cols and make the wine. The vineyards are all either organic or in the process of conversion. Some biodynamic practices are also being adopted. The vineyards have been carefully selected on cooler elevated sites and harvesting is all done by hand and carried out a least a week earlier than the surrounding estates. The wine is fermented using natural yeasts in cement tanks , all with the goal to achieve a lighter fresher style of wine.

Vinification: Using stainless steel tanks, 85 % of the grapes are de-stemmed and lightly crushed whilst the remaining 15% are added whole bunch. Alcoholic fermentation is carried out at low temperatures in order to retain fresh fruit aromas and extraction is achieved by daily, gentle pumpovers. Malolactic fermentation and further ageing on fine lees during 6 months is done in 228 litre barrels.

Description: Grenache (80%), Carignan (12%), Syrah, Bourboulenc, Clairette (8%). Light cherry red in colour. Fine aromas of red fruits, pepper and some Provençal herbs. On the palate it is medium bodied with fine tannins and a core of acidity that helps prolong the flavours and give the wine a sense of freshness.

Alcohol: 14.5%