Figuiere Premiere de Figuiere Red 2023
Figuiere Premiere de Figuiere Red 2023 is a dry, full-bodied red from Syrah, Mourvèdre (Provence, France), in the full, structured reds style. Tannins are firm and acidity moderate; oak influence is some. Good with lamb, beef stew, venison, barbecue. Drink within 10 years (to about 2033). Decant for about 1 hour. Critic score 92/100 (merchant-reported).
| Wine | Sweet | Body | From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louis Cheze Syrahvissante Collines Rhodaniennes 2024 Louis Cheze · Rhône | £16.96 | |||
| Cascadia Yakima Valley Syrah 2020 | £17.25 | |||
| The Black Craft Shiraz 2023 Smalltown Vineyards · South Australia | £17.25 | |||
| Rustenberg, R.M. Nicholson 2021 Rustenberg · Stellenbosch | £16.60 |
Cellar for up to 10 years. Decant for up to an hour or more before serving. Figuière is a family business with a long history of producing elegant and complex French wine. Founded by wine-maker Alain Combard in 1991, the winery is now run by his three children, François, Magali, and Delphine. Located in the Côtes de Provence AOC, the 44-acre Saint-André de Figuière plot is the family’s pride and joy, providing a basis for their flagship Première range, with its mineral-rich, quartz-infused schist soils. The Première de Figuiere Red is a careful blend of lean Syrah and moody Mourvedre. The Syrah is picked slightly overripe while the Combard family wait for the Mourvedre to mature, adding to the intense fruitiness of this wine’s profile. The nose is alive with scents of blackberry, cassis and plum, liquorice, chocolate and Provencal herbs. After fermenting separately, the Syrah and Mourvedre are matured for 8 months in French oak barrels. There are hints of oak and mature tannins on the palate, but the overall impression is one of smooth, round and silky character. Look for notes of blackberry, black cherry and strawberry, supplemented by hints of cocoa, tobacco, rosemary and thyme. This red is ready to drink but also has plenty of potential for further ageing in the cellar. Pair it with rich meats or intense cheeses.