Château Coulon, Corbières Rouge

Owned by siblings Louis and Marie Farbre who were early pioneers of organic viticulture in the Languedoc, Château Coulon sits on a hill near the village of Cruscades close to the Via Aquitania, a Roman road which links the Mediterranean to the Atlantic. The vineyard extends over smooth, rounded pebbles deposited by the river Orbieu and refreshing winds assist in the organic management of the estate. Its wines are concentrated, with notes of black fruit and liquorice. In 2008, the Fabre family expanded the estate by adding neighbouring Château St. Michel. Siliceous clay soils overlaid with galets roulés. Manual harvest and yield restricted to 45hl/ha. 45% Syrah, 30% Carignan, 15% Grenache and 10% Mourvèdre. The grapes are separated into two fermentations: Carignan and Grenache are co-fermented as whole grapes whilst Syrah and Mourvèdre undergo a 20-hour, thermo-regulated maceration.

Fantastic with charcoal-grilled lamb, rosemary potatoes and a green salad.