Calmel & Joseph MINERVOIS Les Freres d'Armes 2024

Ripe dark fruits and a smokey finish.

Mouthwatering notes of strawberry guava and a hint of grapefruit lead into a crisp and refreshing texture on the palate. True to Klinker Brick style, this wine retains an exceptional balance of freshness and aromatics, while still providing the dry finish.

Since the elevation of Cairanne to a southern Rhône cru, this first release of 'La Côte Sauvage' continues to be characterised by its finesse and finely-grained texture, due in part to the famous ‘argilo-calcaire’ of hilltop vineyards such as La Pauline and Les Six Terrasses, slow wine making methods and gentle maturation in different sized barrels of old French oak.

This wine shows a deep red colour with shades of ruby on the rim of the glass. To the nose, at the time of release, it revealed a delicate balance between ripe red berry aromas and those of spices and smokiness. Over time, the bouquet has grown more complex, showing aromas of leather, coffee beans and raisins. Mouthfeel is as firm, elegant and smooth as one should expect from a Rioja Gran Reserva, with a surprisingly long and fresh finish.