One of Jeff's most instantly-recognisable cuvées. At the fresher end of the spectrum, compared to some of his other Syrah-based wines, and with plenty of opulent, lip-smacking fruit. Lots of dusty blackcurrant on the nose, then glossy and vibrant in the glass. We've often recommended this wine to fans of the red wines of the Northern Rhône who are looking outside the region for a little bang for buck - we've always found Classe to overdeliver, with its supple, silky tannins and pretty perfume.
The delicious wines of JF Coutelou were, until the last couple of years, something we only seemed to be able to get hold of when we were on trips to France. They are always a treat, combining as they do some very accomplished winemaking with exceedingly humble pricing. The domaine in Puimisson is certified organic, and Coutelou is of the firm belief that natural winemaking can only happen as a direct result of the work that is put in to the vines. All the individual grape varietals are fermented separtely here, and then the cuvée is built and blended following this. As the wines are not direct translations of specific vineyard parcels, JC allows himself some room to blend the wines differently each year depending on what he has to work with. He doesn't use sulphur at any point in the winemaking. "Grapes, work and love... The only recipe for success..." - well said, Jeff.
