Oratoire St Martin Cairanne Haut Coustias Rouge 2020

Oratoire St Martin Cairanne Haut Coustias Rouge is one of the southern Rhône's few remaining Mourvèdre-dominant reds, from the estate's highest plots.

Cairanne, on the left bank of the southern Rhône, was promoted from Côtes du Rhône Villages to its own cru appellation in 2016, and Domaine de l'Oratoire Saint-Martin has been among the names making the case for it. The Alary family farms biodynamically, and Haut Coustias is their flagship: 50% Mourvèdre, 35% Grenache and 15% Syrah from sixty-five-year-old vines on the estate's highest and rockiest ground, limestone-rich with blue clay, around 40% active limestone and some alluvial stones. Production runs to about 8,000 bottles. The grapes are sorted three times — in the vineyard, then before and after destemming — and the wine ferments naturally in concrete before spending ten months in 22-hectolitre wooden foudres.

Already approachable given its balance, but it will be at its best around ten years from release. Serve at 16-18°C with slow-cooked lamb, game birds or a mushroom ragout.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.