Maison Tymas Les Pimpantes Pinot Noir 2023, South of France

Les Pimpantes is a Pinot Noir from Maison Tymas, a small, modern négociant house whose wines are made by Caroline Delmas, a young winemaker from the southern Rhône. Caroline sources grapes from carefully selected sites in the Rhône and the south of France, and the fruit for this wine comes from vineyards certified under France’s HVE (Haute Valeur Environnementale) scheme for sustainable farming. In the cellar, maceration and pressing are handled delicately to build a fine, soft tannic structure, the aim being an easy-drinking wine that stays true to the grape.

It is a vibrant, supple red. The nose shows red and black cherries with touches of violet. The palate is lively, with raspberry and cherry fruit, a light touch of spice and fresh acidity. It is elegant and well balanced, with a slim, rounded body, soft, smooth tannins and a clean, fruity finish.

Serve slightly cool, at around 14–16°C. It is a versatile partner for roast duck, marinated pork loin, roast chicken, charcuterie, mushroom dishes and salmon. Les Pimpantes is made to be enjoyed young, while its fruit is fresh and lively.

Maison Tymas is a young négociant house established in 2022 with a focus on small volumes of high-quality, affordable wines. It is a collaboration between Simon Tyrrell and Caroline Delmas, a talented young winemaker from the southern Rhône, who makes the wines. Working as a modern négociant, Caroline sources grapes from the best sites she can find in the Rhône and across the south of France, selecting vineyards carefully to get the most expressive fruit. The aim is a range of varietal, easy-drinking wines that are true to their grapes, each with its own lively name, from Les Pimpantes Pinot Noir to Les Fringants Sauvignon Blanc. Some of the range comes from vineyards certified under France’s HVE (Haute Valeur Environnementale) sustainability scheme, and Les Fringants is certified organic.