M. Chapoutier Les Vignes de Bila-Haut Cotes du Roussillon Villages 2024 75cl

M. Chapoutier Les Vignes de Bila-Haut Côtes du Roussillon Villages is a captivating, richly textured, and remarkably expressive red wine produced in the rugged, sun-drenched landscape of Southern France. Crafted under the expert guidance of Michel Chapoutier, this wine reflects a passionate commitment to biodynamic viticulture and authentic terroir expression. Sourced from high-altitude hillside plots in the Agly Valley where ancient schist, gneiss, and limestone soils prevail, this classic Southern blend captures the wild herbal character, deep fruit concentration, and Mediterranean warmth of the Roussillon. Why You'll Love It This wine stands out for its incredible depth, striking mineral freshness, and effortless balance between rustic power and refined elegance. Grown in poor, stony soils that force the vine roots deep into the earth, the grapes yield intense flavour concentration. Matured primarily in concrete tanks to preserve pure fruit integrity, it offers an enticing bouquet of ripe black cherries, wild blackberries, crushed stone, and garrigue herbs, making it an absolute delight for lovers of soulful, characterful wines. Vineyard & Production The grapes are hand-harvested from select, low-yielding hillside vineyards across the Côtes du Roussillon Villages appellation. Upon arrival at the winery, the fruit is meticulously sorted, destemmed, and transferred to temperature-controlled concrete vats. Fermentation occurs with gentle extraction methods to preserve the natural aromatics and supple tannin structure of the old vines. The wine is then aged in concrete and stainless steel vessels for several months, avoiding heavy oak influence to let the pure terroir and vibrant fruit shine through before bottling. Tasting Notes In the glass, it displays a deep, intense ruby-red colour with dark purple reflections. The nose is bold, warm, and inviting, opening with aromas of ripe black plums, black cherries, and wild blueberries, layered with distinctive Southern French notes of rosemary, thyme, liquorice, and crushed slate. On the palate, it is medium-to-full-bodied, rounded, and harmonious, offering succulent dark berry and spice flavours supported by a fresh streak of acidity and fine, velvety tannins that lead into a long, savoury, and refreshing finish. Perfect Pairings With its wild herbal notes, generous dark fruit core, and vibrant mineral backbone, this Roussillon red is a magnificent companion for hearty, rustic cooking. It pairs magnificently with slow-roasted lamb shoulder with garlic and rosemary, grilled merguez sausages, cassoulet, and beef stew. It is also an exceptional match for roasted Mediterranean vegetables, charcuterie boards, and mature hard cheeses like aged Cheddar or Manchego. Grape Varieties Syrah, Grenache, Carignan