Domaine St-Amant, Grangeneuve, Beaumes de Venise, Rhône, France 2018

Beaumes de Venise is famous for its sweet wine, but this family estate located high in the Dentelles de Montmirail in the southern Rhône produces mainly dry red. This is a new listing, a blend of 50% Grenache with 30% Syrah and 10% each of Carignan and Viognier. It's gorgeous – generous and yet fresh, with dark fruit, some savoury meatiness, and a hint of iodine. The oak influence is restrained, from 10 months age in 30-year-old oak vats. Great value and drinking beautifully.