2007 Cotes du Rhone, Chateau Courac

Since 1995, Frédéric and Joséphine Arnaud have engaged fully with the challenge of coaxing the finest fruit from their ancient southern Rhône terroir of high altitude vineyards benefiting from stony soils and bracing, sanitising Mistral breezes. Constantly excavating to make more land available, they were delighted recently by the discovery of a pristine Roman mosaic, part of the Roman villa that once graced the estate. Oak averse (even for their 'Grand Cru'), they kept this youthful cuvée clear of barrels altogether. Mostly Grenache and Syrah, with a little Cinsault, it's soft and fresh with a riot of raspberry, strawberry and red cherry flavours. Enjoy with chunky sausages and grilled meats and midweek suppers, or save for a barbecue.

£8.99