Boutinot, ‘Les Coteaux Schisteux’, Séguret, Côtes du Rhône Villages

Rhône Valley | France An explosive, plush and opulent wine, layered with exotic spice, cracked black pepper and vanilla. Awards 2013 Vintage: ‘The Wine Merchant Top 100’ 2016 About the Producer We prefer high altitude east-facing vineyards with stony, argillaceous limestone terraces high above the ‘slopes of ‘slopes of schiste’ above the pretty village of Séguret. In one such plot (planted well over fifty years ago) we find that Grenache Noir, intermingled here and there with some Syrah, benefits from the morning sun and even ripening temperatures. In the cellar vinification is traditional, with a long cuvasion using only naturally occurring wild yeasts, aided by regular remontage to release all the potential of the grapes and their skins. The wine is then allowed to mature for up 22 months in French oak. Food Pairing Match to big hearty casseroles, in winter try a lamb tagine with couscous; in summer a rich ratatouille topped with grilled tofu, or simply serve with a plate of mature hard cheese.