2017 Cotes du Roussillon Villages Kerbuccio

Kerbuccio is a wonderful Maury Sec courtesy of Chateau Saint-Roch, the sister estate to Lafage (of Tessellae fame). For Tessellae fans, Kerbuccio is a wine that ticks all the same boxes in terms of exceptionally well-made, blockbuster Southern French blends that massively over-deliver on their price tag. Maury Sec (not to be confused with the sweet fortified wines carrying the Maury name) is lesser known than the more general Cotes de Roussillon tag, which is part of the reason the best are such good value. Andrew Jefford summarises what makes this appellation worth our attention: "On the basis of the Maury Sec wines which I have tasted so far, I would say that this extraordinary zone in the central Agly valley has the potential to be one of the rare ‘grands crus’ of the South of France. Or, if you prefer, to produce the greatest red wines of Northern Catalonia, wines which deserve to be tasted and judged alongside those of the ‘grand cru’ of Southern Catalonia: Priorat." Jeb Dunnuck, a seasoned pro at spotting gems among the myriad of names in this region, declares that it “tastes like it costs 4-5 times the price”. At a mere £18 a bottle in bond (with a further improved price available on larger orders) - a price very rarely found in Priorat - we are happy to agree that this is insanely good and incredible value.