Les Collines de Laure Rouge, Jean-Luc Colombo, IGP Méditerranée, Northern Rhône, France, 2018 

Grape: 100% Syrah from the estate's "young vines"

Jean-Luc Colombo is renowned for his £200 Cornas, "Vallon de l'Aigle" (Syrah) and the "Les Collines de Laure" (The Hills of Laure) is a fantastic way to appreciate his winemaking skills at a great price. It's a blend of grapes from various Northern Rhone appellations, with 80% coming from young vines (15-year-old) in Cornas and the remainder from St Joseph and Crozes Hermitage. The wine is named after these hilly vineyard sites where Laure (Jean-Luc's daughter) played as a child. The grapes are grown in granitic soil typical to the Northern Rhone Valley. The grapes are hand-harvested and 100% free run juice is used. Vinification occurs in stainless steel tanks before the wine is bottled after seven months with no oak used.

A brilliant ruby colour. The nose displays a wide range of small ripe red fruits (raspberry & strawberry) with violet and spice undertones. Round on the palate and full of freshness. 

Fine tannins make it a harmonious and balanced wine. Excellent with cured meats, sausages or grilled pork tenderloin. To be drunk within 2 to 5 years. Serve slightly chilled to 15°C – 16°C