THE WINE Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Cinsault and Counoise make up this typical blend for its appellation. On the nose, spices and black berries form a pleasant bouquet. On the palate, the structure is dense and round, with mellow tannins. The wine deserves to spend a few years in the bottle, but is also very drinkable after decanting into a carafe. ABOUT THE PRODUCER RAYMOND USSEGLIO Domaine Usseglio is, first and foremost, the story of a family. In 1948 Francis Usseglio, an Italian labourer, came to Châteauneuf-du-Pape to work in the vineyards. His passion for wine and motivation led him to take on a few hectares of vines on a sharecropping basis known as métayage. His son Raymond took over from him, continuing the tradition but adding a modern touch by converting the vineyards to biodynamic. Today, the 24-hectare Domaine Usseglio is run by Francis' grandchildren, Jean-Pierre, Thierry and Stéphane and is one of the appellation's leading lights. Its grape varieties are typical for Châteauneuf with Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault for red wine and Bourboulenc, Clairette and Grenache for white. The vines are between 30 and 60 years old and harvesting is carried out manually. The resulting wines have plenty of character, combining power with a hint of rustic simplicity.