2020 Chevallier-Bernard Jongieux Mondeuse

Mondeuse is one of the oldest, most distinctive red grape varieties in Savoie; it’s a genetic grandparent of Syrah and makes tannic, flavoursome reds. This one has been skillfully tamed with some judicious old oak. It’s juicy, peppery, medium-bodied, with a bit of bite and a savoury finish, and it’s almost my Platonic ideal of a French bistro wine; but if you can’t face andouillettes and trotter, it will work every bit as well with roast pork or lamb chops. (NT 23/09/24)