Chateau Pegau Cotes du Rhone Cuvee Maclura 2023 750ml

Product Info

Terroir
Sourced from the Southern Rhône, this Côtes du Rhône comes from a mix of clay-rich soils layered with galets roulés (rounded stones), typical of the broader Rhône Valley landscape. These soils retain heat through the day and release it slowly overnight, promoting even ripening of Grenache-led blends. The Mediterranean climate, shaped by sun exposure and the cooling mistral wind, produces wines with ripe fruit character balanced by freshness and herbal complexity.

Winemaking & Technical Notes
Cuvée Maclura is a traditional Southern Rhône field blend led by Grenache, supported by Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault. The winemaking is deliberately low-intervention: hand-harvested fruit, whole-cluster inclusion (no destemming), native yeast fermentation, and aging in enamel-lined concrete or tank for around one year. The approach prioritizes texture, spice, and authenticity over overt oak influence or extraction.

Tasting Notes
Deep ruby red in appearance, the 2023 opens with expressive aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry, licorice, and warm spice. The palate is supple and generous, showing ripe dark fruit framed by fine-grained tannins and a savory, garrigue-tinged character. Notes of pepper, dried herbs, and subtle earthiness emerge through the mid-palate, leading to a balanced, gently structured finish with impressive drinkability and Southern Rhône charm.

Food Pairing & Service
A classic food-friendly Rhône red, this wine pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roast lamb, sausages, game dishes, and hearty Mediterranean cuisine. It also works well with charcuterie and earthy vegetable dishes like ratatouille or mushroom-based plates. Serve at cool room temperature and consider a short decant in its youth to open up its aromatic range.

Cellaring Potential
While approachable on release, Cuvée Maclura has the structure to evolve over 5–10 years. With time, the fruit will shift toward more savory, dried herb and leather tones, while the tannins soften into a rounder, more integrated profile.