Powerful, rich, old-vine, Grenache-based red from Jean-Charles Duran in Roussillon's prized Maury
A remarkably rich red from the Roussillon, a testament to the enduring old vines that survive in the region’s arid soil. It’s the pride of Jean-Charles Duran, who tends to his ancient vineyards with passion. Dense with velvety blackberry flavours.
Jean-Charles Duran, a 4th-generation grower, is the first winemaker in his family. Our Languedoc winemaker-turned buyer Mark Hoddy was so bowled over by the power and intensity of J-C's old-vine grapes, he made a red from them himself. He then set about teaching J-C how to do the same. Several vintages later, J-C and his wife Céline have a small shed cellar at the bottom of their home in Roussillon’s Maury, surrounded by their vineyards. The slate soils and gnarled old vines, buffeted by the Tramontane wind and scorched by the sun, produce yields as low as 8 hectolitres per hectare. Now Bordeaux names are trying to buy land here. Aged for 15 months in hogshead barrels, this wine unfolds big flavours. An ideal match for hearty dishes.