Col D’Arribat St Chinian-Roquebrun

This blend of Syrah, Grenache, Carignan and Mourvedre from Cave de Roquebrun carefully selects grapes from individual plots across St Chinian-Roquebrun. The grapes undergo carbonic whole cluster maceration where the weight of the fruit naturally gently presses out the juice. Traditional vinification techniques are followed by 12 months’ ageing in stainless steel vats.

Deep ruby-purple in colour, Col D’Arribat has deep, complex aromatic perfumed notes alongside crushed red berries and bramble fruit. Round, soft tannins create a well-structured style with good weight. Ripe blackberry flavours are dominant with earthy spice and herb nuances. Try with rustic red meat dishes, stews or hard cheeses.

Roquebrun is an attractive medieval town in the Languedoc’s Black Mountains. The well run co-operative here makes some exceptional wines which are centred on the elevated hills of the Saint-Chinian appellation. Soils of argilo limestone and smooth pebbles help retain the day’s heat and radiate it at night. Some of the vines are more than twenty years old.