100% Carignan

In the rugged hills of the Roussillon, a quiet winemaking revolution is taking place. The region was once known for producing seas of fortified 'Vin Doux Naturel' but its declining popularity has seen vineyards abandoned and towns depopulated. However, the region is dotted with parcels of old vines capable of producing extraordinary wines. These have attracted producers such as Jean Phillipe Padié, who farms 18ha of vines divided up into 30 parcels around the town of Calce.

This cuvée is usually named Le Pacha, after one of Padié's favourite films (he recommends drinking this wine while listening to Gainsbourg's 'Requiem Pour Un Con'), but the owner of the plot, Francis Crabié, died in 2020, so he has dedicated it to him. Crabié's vines have an incredible average age of 120 years, producing a tiny yield of concentrated fruit. It is drinking beautifully already, but certainly has a long life ahead and could easily be cellared for five years.

Tasting notes : Dark fruit, spice, mineral. Powerful and elegant, with fine-grained tannins and endless complexity. Open an hour or two before serving.

Food pairing : This calls out for something meaty - a full-flavoured ragu could work, as would roast beef or lamb.