Lavau Cotes du Rhone 2022

Lavau Côtes du Rhône is a generous, fruit-forward southern Rhône red built around 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah. Blackcurrant and crushed raspberry lead the way, with a fresh, juicy palate and a smooth, easy-going feel that makes this very approachable. The fruit comes from vineyards spread across the southern Rhône, giving Lavau plenty of material to shape into a polished everyday style. Grenache brings ripe fruit and warmth while Syrah adds structure and depth. A smart bottle for weeknight dinners, barbecues or a relaxed platter of charcuterie and cheese, and particularly good alongside grilled lamb or sausages.

What the winery says:

The 2022 is sourced from vineyards across the southern Rhône Valley, from Montélimar to Nîmes. Grenache Noir and Syrah are grown on clay-limestone plains at yields of around 50 hl/ha. The grapes are completely destemmed, undergo a cold pre-fermentation maceration, then spend around 15 days macerating in temperature-controlled stainless-steel vats with pumping over. The wine remains in tank until bottling one year later. Lavau describes aromas of blackcurrant and crushed raspberry, followed by a fresh, fruity palate, and recommends serving it at around 16°C with grilled meats and everyday dishes.