Michel Tardieu's future might have seemed perfectly mapped out, when he was working as a civil servant and tending vineyards in the Rhone Valley in his spare time. But in 1996 he decided to take a giant leap and concentrate on his passion by going into partnership with Burgundy wine négociant Dominique Laurent. Together, they established Maison Tardieu-Laurent in Loumarin in the heart of Michel's native Provence. Since then, they have both worked hard to track down the best vineyard plots in the Rhone terroir. And thanks to a meticulous and skilful barrel-maturing process they produce wines with excellent ageing potential. Today, Michel Tardieu still works as a négociant and consultant oenologist but has been joined in the business by his children Bastien and Camille.

At Domaine Tardieu Laurent, the Châteauneuf-du-Pape, soil and vines are respectfully grown and yields are strictly controlled. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre (which make up this cuvée) come from a typical terroir of the appellation (rolled pebbles) and are traditionally vinified before being aged in barrels which are used for one wine. With its ruby hue, its nose exudes intense aromas of spices and laurel. On the palette, the impression of ripe fruit brings density and creaminess. This is a mouth-watering wine, with great depth which, when opened an hour before serving at room temperature, is wonderful when paired with goose stuffed with chestnuts and truffles!