2023 Côtes du Rhône - Franck Balthazar

The 2023 Côtes du Rhône from Franck Balthazar comes out of the southern Rhône, just outside his home base in Cornas. Franck, who took over the domaine in 2002 from his father René (and whose grandfather, Casimir, founded it in 1931), now works about 3.5 hectares of organically farmed vineyard land. He sticks to traditional, low‑intervention methods—fermenting with indigenous yeasts, ageing in aged demi‑muids, minimal sulphur, ploughing with horses.

In 2023 he’s blended 60% Grenache with 40% Syrah, sourced from three organic vineyards particularly near Vinsobres in the Drôme. The vintage is juicy and vibrant—ripe red and black fruit (black cherry, blackcurrant) with floral lifts (violet), a slate‑like minerality and smooth, powdery tannins.

For food? Think something that can handle both the fruit and structure. Roast lamb with herbs, duck breast, or a peppery steak would work a treat. Also sharp cheeses or even charcuterie & pâté would pair nicely. The wine’s lively acidity and tannins make it versatile: open now with hearty fare, but it’ll age gracefully for a few years too.