Château des Hospices – Grande Terre – Côtes du Roussillon, France (12 bottles) A bold and sun-soaked red from the southern slopes of Roussillon, where Mediterranean warmth meets the freshness of mountain air. Grande Terre is the flagship cuvée of Château des Hospices — a wine that embodies the intensity, generosity, and soul of southern France. Vineyards & Winemaking The grapes come from old vines rooted in stony, clay-limestone soils typical of the Aspres region. These low-yielding plots produce concentrated fruit with great aromatic depth. The blend — predominantly Syrah and Grenache, with a touch of Mourvèdre — is harvested at perfect ripeness and vinified in temperature-controlled vats for precise extraction and balance. Aging After fermentation, the wine matures for 12 to 14 months in French oak barrels — part new, part second-fill — to develop structure, spice, and harmony. The oak aging lends subtle notes of cocoa, vanilla, and roasted coffee, without overpowering the purity of the fruit. A short period of bottle aging follows before release, ensuring a polished, integrated texture. Tasting Notes Deep ruby red with purple reflections. The nose reveals layers of ripe blackberries, cassis, and red cherries, interwoven with hints of garrigue herbs, pepper, and sweet spice. On the palate it is generous and smooth — full-bodied with velvety tannins, balanced acidity, and a lingering finish of fruit, oak, and warm Mediterranean spice. Food Pairing Perfect with grilled red meats, roasted lamb, hearty stews, or aged cheeses. Serve at 16–18 °C for best expression. Drinking Window Ready to enjoy now for its fruit-driven richness, but will continue to develop beautifully over the next 5–8 years, gaining more depth and savoury complexity. In Short Château des Hospices – Grande Terre is a refined and expressive southern red — rich yet balanced, bold yet graceful. A true taste of the Roussillon sun, bottled with elegance and care.