Vincent Ruiz, 'Les Noces Alchimiques' 2021

Place: Rhône, France

Grape: Grenache

Vibe: Complex

You might recognise Vincent's name, given he's the man tasked with taking the helm at Domaine Belluard. So the credentials speak for themselves. This wine comes from bush-trained, old vine Grenache and goes through carbonic maceration before sleeping for six months in fibreglass. No SO2 added at any stage, this is 100% grapes, and good ones too. With notes of sour cherries, bitters and orange peel and a touch of smoke, this is p-r-e-t-t-y, closer to a Spanish Garnacha then a Rhone red. What's not to like? ABV: 14%