2022 BURLE-EST-CE-QUE, Domaine Burle. Vaucluse

Domaine Burle is based in Gigondas, a prestigious appellation in the southern Rhône. This is from vineyards just outside the designated area – and so they have experimented with the new grape varieties of Caladoc and Marselan.

Grenache, Syrah, Caladoc (Grenache/Malbec crossing) and Marselan (Grenache/Cabernet crossing); no oak maturation – the emphasis is on freshness.

Agent Thorman Hunt: “Damien and Florent Burle took over the running of the estate from their father in 2004. Florent manages the vineyards and Damien is responsible for the winemaking. Their style is rusticity at its best. There is no destemming and the wines have bags of fruit and guts.”

Bright and ripe but big and burly – great fun and excellent value.