In the Maret family since 1912, the Domaine de la Charbonniere is one of the finest estates in the Southern Rhone. Their organically farmed vineyards are split between Chateauneuf-du-Pape and Vacqueyras, with their wines from the latter described as 'sensational' and 'under-valued' by famed wine critic Robert Parker.
Winemaker Veronique favours the traditional ways of red Rhone winemaking - retaining stems for the Grenache fermentation and using long macerations of up to 5 weeks depending on the harvest. The different varieties are aged in a mixture of small and large oak barrels and concrete to best match their individual characteristics before blending.
A blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah, this is a bold, structured and very full-bodied wine. Intense ripe fruit - raspberry jam, blackberry, plum - is the first impression, with the meatiness and spiciness of Syrah on the follow-through. A powerful wine to serve with roast lamb or oxtail, and one that can age very nicely if you have the patience.