Alain Grignon 'Vieilles Vignes' Carignan 2023/24, France

Carignan can be a little rough and ready. It’s usually used to make simple table wine, but this is something quite different. Everything is focussed on quality. It’s made using grapes from at least fifty-year-old vines – some are even a hundred years old. Such age means that the yield of grapes from each vine is tiny – and the flavours are really concentrated. Part of it is aged in oak to give it some good structure, but it’s still a really juicy, fresh wine. It was made to be really easy-drinking – and it really does slip down oh-so-easily. It’s packed with brambly fruit flavours. Blackberry. Cherry. A hint of vanilla and spice. This style of Carignan is absolutely delicious with roast pork or a meaty chicken casserole.