Chateau Rochecolombe Cotes du Rhone (75cl)

60% Grenache, 40% Syrah. Manually harvested. Matured for 12-18 months in concrete tanks to ensure a full fruit driven expression of its Mediterranean origins in the southern Rhone. Impressive, imposing aroma of blackberry, damson and a hint of wild scrubland herbs. The palate is equally enveloping and inviting with copious waves of dark fruit interweaving with notes of liquorice and spice. The fully ripe tannins provide perfect support and structure. A red to match more substantial dishes, particularly those that feature heartier meats or cheese.

Made from 50+ year old vines. Fermented with natural yeasts. Unoaked and unfiltered.

Silver Medal – Decanter World Wine Awards 2018 (2016 vintage)

Château Rochecolombe, located near Bourg Saint Andéol in the southern Rhône, has been owned and run by the same Belgian family for four generations. Today it is Roland Terrasse, the grandson, who has his hands on the reins. Originally purchased by Roland's grand-father Robert Herberigs in 1925, the estate was primarily focused on the cultivation of apricots, with only a small acreage of vines. Just after the Second World war, Robert's son Gilbert decided to convert entirely to vineyards. During the first 15 years all the fruit was delivered to the local Saint Andéol co-operative and to a local negociant. Since then the production has been safeguarded solely for their own production.

The focus is on quality throughout, both in the organically-certified vineyards and the cellar. The estate has been certified organic by Agence Bio (AB) for 10 years. Today there are 30 hectares of vines in production, planted on three different soil types, but all a variation on the classic Rhône clay/limestone theme. Facing south-east, the vines benefit from maximum sun exposure. Roland's red wines are based on Grenache and Syrah, with Viognier the focus for the white. Low-yielding old vines contribute greatly to the depth of flavour and intrinsic quality of Roland's two red wine cuvées. His team are dedicated to ensuring that the wines express their southern Rhone heritage to the best advantage possible.

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