Château Viranel Saint-Chinian Tradition Rouge Magnum

Chateau Viranel Saint-Chinian Tradition Rouge: "Caramelised plum aromas fairly leap out of the glass, then a faint smell of farmyard in a not-unattractive way. Roasted rosemary, a little gnarly, a little bit of char on sun-sweet black fruit. Meaty, spiked with swarthy, ripe, warmly hirsute tannins. It's the kind of wine I'd save for autumn and winter, hunker down by the fire with a bowl of slow-cooked short-rib stew and a good book." From Jancis Robinson's Purple Pages

Country: France
Region: Languedoc-Roussillon
Subregion: Saint-Chinian
Vintage: 2012
Colour: Red
Grape Variety: Syrah/Shiraz, Grenache, MourvèdreMonastrell, Carignan/Mazuelo
ABV: 14%
Bottle Size: 150cl
Closure: Natural cork
Style: Rich and fleshy
Drink With: Slow-cooked short-rib of beef

The Bergasse brothers of Château Viranel have really excelled here, producing a wine that is both refined and full flavoured. Made from 40% Syrah, 40% Grenache Noir, 10% Mourvèdre and 10% Carignan, all grown in the chalky soils of the appellation. The vines are over 40 years old and the south/south-west exposure of the vineyards ensures perfect ripeness. Viranel keeps yields low (35 hl/ha), and 20% of the final blend is aged in cask before bottling.