Olivier Coste Illegal Mourvedre

This beautifully soft wine comes from a small two hectare appellation in Languedoc, which is revered for the intense and concentrated wines it produces. The 32-year old Mourvedre vines are planted on a south-facing plot in schist soils. Hand-harvested at night to preserve freshness, the grapes are macerated for three weeks with fermentation in temperature controlled vats with regular pump-overs. Matured in concrete vats for eighteen months.

Illegal is a soft and approachable wine with dark fruit aromas of blackberry and blackcurrant, layered with spice and a touch of black pepper. Beautifully balanced with a fresh palate and a long, fruit-driven finish. Try with stews, braised red meats, barbecue cuisine, or hard mature cheeses.

Olivier Coste’s family’s wine estate was founded in 1701 in Pézenas. He developed a passion for nature, the Languedoc region and southern French wines. The vineyards are located a few kilometres from Pézenas where the Mediterranean Sea asserts its influence. The estate is certified HVE3, complementing the family’s existing ‘Carbon Neutral’ approach. Olivier’s (OC)riginal Stars range has been created for those who appreciate a modern, fresh and fruity varietal wine and is complemented by quirky packaging.