Matthieu Barret, Rouge Petit Ours

Matthieu Barret makes some of the most celebrated Cornas in the Northern Rhône — wines that cost considerably more than this and require years to show their best. Petit Ours (full name: Petit Ours Brun, Little Brown Bear) is his vin de soif: the wine he makes for drinking, not collecting, and for drinking happily rather than solemnly.

The 2024 vintage continues Barret’s signature style of “crunchy” fruit and vibrant energy. This is what serious natural Rhône Syrah tastes like when it’s not trying to be serious — joyful, specific, and very easy to want another glass of.

Tasting Notes

Aromas of blackberry, wild blueberry, and dried lavender with a distinctive savory edge of cracked black pepper and violets. On the palate: bright acidity, fine grippy tannins, dark cherry, licorice, and a touch of stony minerality. Crunchy, energetic, alive.

How to Serve

Serve at 15–17°C. Light chill optional. No decanting needed — open and pour.

Food Pairing

Grilled lamb, merguez, roast chicken, mushroom dishes, aged sheep’s cheese. The food of a good Rhône lunch.