Domaine Pierre Usseglio et Fils is located in the village of Châteauneuf du Pape, has built a solid reputation over the years as producing rich, ripe red wines, so it's interesting to see that Thierry Usseglio and his son, Gregory, are experimenting with the use of whole bunches and an entirely new wine style that combines a large proportion of white grapes and use of amphorae. Domaine Pierre Usseglio et Fils Lirac 2020 vintage is produced with 50% Grenache, 25% Mourvèdre, 20% Syrah. The fruit selected is from 40 year old vines. They harvested manually and completely destemmed. The fermentation is followed by thermoregulation, lasting about 20 to 30 days. The wines are then aged in concrete and demi-muids vats over a period of 12 months. Loads of black raspberry and spice, medium to full body and a lush, ripe, yet seamless mouthfeel.

Domaine Pierre Usseglio et Fils is located in the village of Châteauneuf du Pape, has built a solid reputation over the years as producing rich, ripe red wines, so it's interesting to see that Thierry Usseglio and his son, Gregory, are experimenting with the use of whole bunches and an entirely new wine style that combines a large proportion of white grapes and use of amphorae. 100% Grenache from vineyards in Les Serres, Les Bédines and La Crau. Partially destemmed with 3-5 week concrete vat vinification, with aging occurring in aged 80-90% concrete vats and 10-20% oak casks for 12-14 months.

Domaine Pierre Usseglio et Fils is located in the village of Châteauneuf du Pape, has built a solid reputation over the years as producing rich, ripe red wines, so it's interesting to see that Thierry Usseglio and his son, Gregory, are experimenting with the use of whole bunches and an entirely new wine style that combines a large proportion of white grapes and use of amphorae. A wine you don’t see often (there’s only one barrel made), the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Not For You is 100% Grenache from the 100+ year old vines in the Les Serres lieu-dit, only made in the best vintages, 100% Grenache, mostly destemmed, with 3-5 week concrete vat vinification, before being aged in new 600-litre oak casks 24 months. An array of red and black fruits, pepper, lavender and spicy oak. Incredibly unique, full-bodied and concentrated.

From vines grown at around 250 metres above sea level, the 2018 is a wonderfully aromatic, supple and juicy Côtes du Rhône, that's medium-bodied and filled with plenty of blackberry and dark cherry fruit as well as hints of lavender and thyme, and some anise as well. Although there's some pulpy fruit, the finish is crisp and mouthwatering. "Domaine la Réméjeanne takes some tracking down. Yet its one of those places that is worth a special journey, as the Michelin Guide would put it. We made the pilgrimage to Sabran a couple of years ago to revisit this wonderful producer, one that we had worked with in the distant past. We wont bore you with the tales of wrong turns and rural misadventures. Suffice to say, the north western hills of the Côtes du Rhône appellation is striking country the Rhône valley in your rear-view mirror and the foothills of the Cevennes ahead. Scenery aside, time spent with main man Rémy Klein, a look at the vineyards and a tasting of the Réméjeanne wines told us that this was a producer we needed to start working with again. These are wines that proudly speak of their place high up in the hills with soils comprised of sand and limestone. This highly distinctive terroir results in a range of fresh, highly refined Côtes du Rhônes brimming with fruit and character. They are far cooler and purer than many of the Côtes du Rhônes produced at lower altitudes and on alluvial soils and this stylistic difference suits us right down to the ground." Bibendum