Les Vignerons d’Estézargues, ‘Réserve de Fleur’, 2024, Côtes du Rhône (AOC)

'One-Liner'
A juicy, modern Côtes du Rhône with ripe blackcurrant and dark cherry, peppery spice and soft tannins – generous, savoury and wonderfully easy to enjoy.

Tasting Note
Deep ruby in colour, with ripe blackcurrant, blackberry and red cherry joined by cracked black pepper, liquorice and a gentle scattering of dried Mediterranean herbs. The palate is medium-bodied and succulent, with bright fruit, supple tannins and enough freshness to keep everything lively. Unoaked and fruit-led, it finishes smooth and savoury, with lingering dark berries, pepper and spice.

Country: France
Region: Rhone
Sub-Region: n/a
Grape(s): Syrah, Grenache, Carignan, Mourvèdre
ABV: 14%
Friendly: Vegan, Vegetarian

Awards & Critics' Scores
n/a

The Story
Réserve de Fleur is a collaboration between UK importer Delibo, oenologist Denis Deschamps and Les Vignerons d’Estézargues, a small cooperative founded in 1965 in the Gard, around 20 kilometres west of Avignon. Syrah takes the leading role each year, supported by traditional southern Rhône varieties, with the exact proportions adjusted according to the vintage. The wine is deliberately made without oak, using spontaneous fermentation, minimal sulphur and very light filtration to keep the ripe fruit and supple texture firmly in focus. The result is a contemporary take on Côtes du Rhône – generous and spicy, but fresh enough to remain effortlessly drinkable.

Perfect With... (click me for the recipe)
- Meat/fish: Herb-roast saddle of lamb with dauphinoise potatoes
- Vegetarian: Roast aubergine with spiced tomatoes and whipped feta
- Vegan: Provençal stuffed tomatoes with herbed rice