We've become fast fans of Francois Ducrot's gang of ovine bottles. La Vie en Rouge is Francois's original creation; an ode to the widely planted Merlot that is all too often used and abused by French wine makers as a blending grape.

His careful process for creating this red wine took organically grown Merlot from 50 year old vines and followed it up with very gentle pressing to extract delicate tannins before finishing with 6 months aging in concrete tanks on its lees.

This bottle really does justice to the complexity and depth of the grape. Full bodied, rich and indulgent with earthy red fruits and a peppery aroma. For a juicier, more fruit forward glass, try chilling this one for 15 minutes if you can wait!