Château Canet, La Chapelle Minervois, 2017

Château Canet Minervois La Chapelle has a complex nose, full of dark, ripe, blackberry fruit that takes time to unfurl. Rich and expressive, full bodied yet fresh. This old vine Grenache has generous, fleshy fruit, balancing ripe tannins and a finish that is full of bright berry and violet flavours. There is also just a touch of a leathery character which will no doubt develop in bottle. Very drinkable now, this is a substantial wine that will easily keep for another 6-8 years. Give it a couple of hours in a decanter to get the most from it.

The name La Chapelle refers to the vineyard where the 12th century chapel of Château Canet once stood. Today, it is home to the oldest vines on the estate: a parcel of 70 year old Grenache. In 2009, it was decided that this vineyard's yield of 20 hectolitres to the hectare (instead of the more usual 50hl/ha from younger vineyards) was so low that drastic action was required. However, instead of uprooting the vines, Floris and Victoria believed they could make something special from these grapes and the vineyard was given a second chance to shine. We're glad that they did!

The grapes were harvested by hand, crushed the old fashioned way (by foot) and the cap was also punched down by foot twice a day during the three week maceration period. Matured entirely in tank, La Chapelle was bottled early to capture its pure, intense fruit.

• ❖ ABV: 14.5%