Carner tinto

Carner Tinto is a light, characterful red from Montner in Roussillon. It’s made from an unusual blend of Grenache Gris and Macabeu, two pale-skinned grapes grown on a tiny 0.5-hectare plot set among garrigue herbs. The vines are very old and rooted in lime, clay and slate soils, which add a clear, stony note to the wine.

Whole grape clusters are foot-crushed and left to macerate for about a month before fermenting with native yeasts. The wine then rests on its lees in 1,000-litre Italian amphorae and is bottled without fining, filtration or added sulphur. This gentle approach keeps the fruit bright and the texture silky, with light tannin and a dry, savoury finish.

Expect aromas that sit between a macerated white and a delicate red: flowers, citrus peel, red berries and wild herbs, with a subtle earthy edge from the slate. Serve cool. It’s a versatile table wine—great with roast chicken, grilled fish, charcuterie or a slice of hard cheese.