This wine holds a special place in my heart because it comes from the Southern Rhône, the region of France where I was born. Its warmth, wild herbs and generous flavours immediately take me home.

Le Bouquet des Garrigues is made by Sylvie Vacheron and winemaker Bruno Gaspard at Le Clos du Caillou, an organically certified family estate in Courthézon. The vineyards lie directly beside Châteauneuf-du-Pape, on clay soils covered with the same famous rounded stones that absorb the daytime sun and release its warmth during the night.

There is also an extraordinary story behind the estate. When officials came to map the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation in 1936, the property was still a private hunting reserve and its armed guards refused them entry. The land was consequently left outside the official boundary. This is why Le Bouquet des Garrigues is labelled Côtes du Rhône, despite coming from exceptional terroir surrounded by Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyards.

The 2022 is a blend of 70% Grenache, 15% Syrah and 15% Mourvèdre, Carignan and Counoise. The grapes are picked and sorted by hand. Most are destemmed and naturally fermented with indigenous yeasts in concrete vats for 27 days, while 20% undergoes whole bunch carbonic maceration to bring freshness and vibrant fruit.

It is then matured for 24 months 60% in concrete and 40% in large oak foudres. These large seasoned oak vessels do not create a heavy or strongly oaked taste. Instead, they gently soften the wine and add complexity while preserving its beautiful fruit and sense of place.

Juicy and elegant, with blackberry, blueberry and cherry layered with cinnamon, white pepper, black tea and the wild herbal scent of the garrigue. It has the richness and depth you might expect from Châteauneuf-du-Pape, but with wonderful freshness and drinkability a beautiful taste of the region I still call home.