Chapoutier Côtes du Rhône Belleruche Rouge (75cl, 14.5%)

A Grenache-dominant red blend from the Rhône Valley in southern France, bottled at 14.5% ABV in a 750ml format. M. Chapoutier, founded in 1808 in Tain-l'Hermitage, is a certified biodynamic producer, and Belleruche Rouge is built on Grenache with Syrah and, in some vintages, a small percentage of Marselan. Grapes are destemmed and vinified in concrete and stainless-steel tanks over three to four weeks, with fermentation regulated at 28°C. The name means beautiful beehive, inspired by bees and hives across the sustainably farmed vineyards. The wine shows blackcurrant, raspberry, white pepper, dried thyme and a subtle charred undertone, with juicy red cherry, dark berry, licorice, stewed plum and peppercorn on the palate, silky tannins and a medium finish of black pepper and roasted notes.