Mas Coutelou Couleurs Réunies 2020 Vin de France

A field blend of numerous grape varieties of all colours from the "Flower Power" vineyard, which includes Cinsault, Aramon Noir, Aramon Gris, Oeillade Noire, Muscaté, Clairette(s) Blanche, Grise and Musquée Noir, Terret Blanc, Castets, Morastel and Riveyranc Gris(!) Despite the presence of some white grapes in the blend, the colour is quite a deep, semi-opaque cherry red, with a very narrow rim. The nose is full of interest - red fruit aromas dominate (raspberry, red cherry, redcurrant and stewed rhubarb) but there are some definite white tree fruit aromas too, along with with notes of tobacco, new leather, damp earth and all manner of herby/spicy nuances. The palate is relatively light and airy, but equally complex and multi-dimensional, with juicy, sweet-sour fruit, hints of licorice and white pepper, along with myriad tertiary flavours, all wrapped around a core of gently rustic tannins and mouth-watering cherry kernel acidity. The finish is really quite contrary - long, at the same time quite dry, yet still sweet and sour, like a sherbet dip (remember those?). I can imagine this wine pairing well with all sorts of savoury dishes - pizza or pissalidière, spag-bol, mushroom risotto, or a simple steak frites.