This 32ha estate is situated at Bourg St. Andéol, in the cooler north of the usual “Grenache blend area” being only 80km south of Hermitage. Vigneron Alain Grangaud calls it a “Vignoble Séculaire” meaning secluded and not in the “normal” Cotes du Rhone area. His very old vines, very low yields and perfectionist approach have gained his wines constant praise and a reputation for quality that bursts through the glass ceiling of Cotes du Rhone.

Even the Les Charmes [made with 40% shiraz, 40% Grenache and 20% mixed vines] is cropped at around 39hl/ha, very low even by Burgundian standards. It is agen in Burgundy barrels, none of which are new. In fact the comparisons to Burgundy don’t stop there, with the 2007 having a perfumed nose of red berries and garrigue [naturally occurring mixed southern French vegetation which includes wild thyme, rosemary, juniper, bay etc.]. It has an effortless and harmonious quality that walks the tightrope of good concentration and suppleness whilst not being too light or insignificant.