Pegau Côtes du Rhône Rouge 'Cuvée Maclura' 2023 750ml

Producer

• The Féraud family has grown vines in Châteauneuf-du-Pape since 1670, and Laurence joined her father Paul in 1987 to establish Domaine du Pegau. In 2012 she bought a large property in Sorgues and renamed it Château Pegau. That property is the source of the Côtes du Rhône wines. 
• The estate has about 101 acres of vines, and the red Côtes du Rhône is the Cuvée Maclura.
• The Maclura tree is the Osage orange, or hedge apple. 

Wine

• Blend: 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre, 10% Cinsault. 
• Farming: the soils are deep clay covered in round pebbles, and the grapes are harvested by hand. 
• Winemaking: no destemming, native yeast, spontaneous fermentation, then one year in enameled vats.
• Cellaring: the producer estimates 5–10 years.

Tasting notes

• Nose: blackcurrant and licorice, with black cherry, spice and a savory edge.
• Palate: supple, with delicate tannins and an elegant finish.
• Retailer description: cassis, licorice, black cherry and tar, with well-structured tannins and a long finish. 

Pairings

• The winery suggests roasted red meats, charcuterie and tripe.
• I'd add smash burgers, brisket, lamb chops, and a mushroom pizza or ragù.