Burle Est-ce Que? 2024

The Burle brothers stumbled upon a great name and a striking label for this one, and who could blame them? A touch of flair, a bit of theatre - much like the wine itself. While their main act is Gigondas, they've got a few vineyards on the wrong side of the tracks so-to-say, and from these, they've put together a red that's about as close to good Côtes-du-Rhône as you can get without saying so outright. Mostly Grenache and Syrah, with a dash of the rarer Marselan and Caladoc, it's bursting with dark berry aromas, ripe cherry, wild herbs, and a bit of a spicy kick. Bold, juicy, and just a little bit showy, this is a Rhône red that knows how to work a stage.

With all the character for hearty dishes, this Rhône red is spot-on with grilled lamb chops, smoky barbecue ribs, or a classic Toulouse sausage casserole - big, gutsy flavours that won't be upstaged.

Situated just outside Gigondas in the southern Rhône, Domaine Burle has been a family-run estate since the 1930s, with bottling under their own name beginning in 1968. Today, fourth-generation brothers Florent and Damien Burle oversee operations - Florent managing the vineyards, while Damien focuses on winemaking. Though Gigondas remains their heartland, their vineyards extend into Vacqueyras and the wider Côtes-du-Rhône. Their approach is rooted in tradition, producing wines that balance rustic authenticity with charm and depth. Uncompromising in character yet effortlessly drinkable, these are classic Rhône wines with a genuine sense of place.