Chapoutier, Bila-Haut

Alcohol percentage: 14.5%

Vegan

Area:
The Roussillon is in the deep south of France, just over the border from Catalonia/Barcelona; Perpignan is the best known town. An area of rugged beauty and wild, savoury wines, still under-appreciated.
The Chapoutier website tells us that for Bila-Haut “The plots are located on the slopes of the high Agly Valley. They are composed of gneiss and schist from the Devonian Period.” The nearest small town is Latour-de-France, which is just south of the slightly better known village of Maury.

Grape variety:
Syrah, Grenache and Carignan; matured in concrete vat.

Producer:
Michel Chapoutier is the dynamic and respected head of his family’s large business, based in the Rhône but with vineyards all round France and also in Portugal and Australia.

The Bottle Shop rating:
A true taste of the south, at a very sensible price. Herby, spicy, savoury – with brightness and vivacity.