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Chateau Leoube, Cotes de Provence, Origine de Leoube 2022

Largely Grenache and Cinsault, with a little Syrah and Mourvèdre. Delicate pale pink. Berry and floral perfume.  Lovely fruit, a perfect synthesis of berries - strawberry and raspberry - and citrus. Dry, just slightly savoury and with a hint of salinity, this is delicious on its own or accompanying salade niçoise, grilled fish or Provençale vegetables. Drink this year.

The Léoube estate lies on the Cap Bénat, a peninsular on the Var coast an hour from St Tropez and just below the hilltop town of Bormes-les-Mimosa. It’s a stunning spot, including four kms. of coastline, with the vineyards bordered by ancient oaks, pines and the shrubby garrigue. That proximity to the sea, with cooling night breezes, brings freshness to the wines. The land was bought by Anthony and Carole Bamford (of JCB fame) in 1997. Their bent, as at their estate at Daylesford in Gloucestershire, was for organic viticulture, so the estate was converted to organics and every vintage has been certified since 2010. Bio-dynamic practice is also followed. Romain Ott, scion of the nearby famed fourth generation Provençale wine estate, has overseen the cultivation of the vineyards and is the highly experienced wine maker.