If you adore the leafy berry complexity of Burgundy’s Pinot Noir, but find the prices steep, try this luscious, oak-aged gem. Using grapes from Joseph Bousquet's lovingly tended Languedoc vineyards, it is seductively silky with spicy raspberry notes.
Pinot Noir is a prima donna when it comes to climate, liking it neither too hot nor too cold – yet it’s worth persevering to create a silky, pure fruit red like this. The skill is in choosing the right vineyard, which isn’t so tricky for Chai winemaker Mark Hoddy, who knows exactly where to find top-quality Pinot Noir grapes. He works closely with his grower-friend Joseph Bousquet, who has a small domaine, close to Montpellier. There warm sunny days are tempered by cool sea breezes that help retain freshness, delicacy and finesse. You’ll find all this, plus cherry and raspberry charm, and gentle, toasty vanilla spice from almost a year’s ageing in Burgundian oak barrels. A great red with pan-fried duck, roast lamb or mushroom risotto.
