2020 Chateau de l'Ou Cotes du Roussillon Rouge

Château de l’Ou is an organic wine estate located in Montescot, independently owned by oenologists Séverine and Philippe Bourrier.  When they purchased the estate back in 1998, they immediately set about converting to organic farming, which at the time was a pretty niche approach.  They are now fully certified organic, and not only grow grapes, but have parcels of their land devoted to olive trees.  Together, Séverine and Philippe hand-craft their wines using a variety of techniques and fermentation vessels, including terracotta and sandstone amphorae.  The wines they produce are distinctive and really showcase the rugged terroir of the region. 

Located in the AOP Côtes de Roussillon, on the foothills of the Pyrenees, the vines are rooted in soils made up of alluvial marls and black schist which impart great aromatic complexity to the wines characterised by notes of black fruit and herbal garrigue.  Yields are kept low to ensure optimum concentration of pure fruit flavours and all of the estate’s fruit is harvested by hand.  Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks, blended and then matured for a further 12 months, also in stainless steel.  This particular cuvée was made without the influence of oak to allow the wine to fully express its pure fruit flavours. 

An aromatic and fruity blend of Syrah (60%) and Grenache (40%) with crunchy red and black bramble fruits complemented by a touch of peppery spice and a subtle hint of violets.  Juicy and fresh, this would be great with grilled meats and vegetables, so perhaps it’s one worth saving for a barbecue on a warm spring evening.