Description

This wine is the perfect expression of Syrah from the Northern Rhône Valley. You can feel the freshness of the cooler climate and the delicacy of the variety.

Terroir

The vineyard of this Vin de France covers the hinterland of the Northern Côtes du Rhône. It is located on cantons south of the Rhône, the Loire and what we call Isère Rhodanienne, north of the Drôme and north Ardèche.
The vines are generally located on plateaus and soils of decomposed granite.

The vintage

2010 started with a very cold temperatures and snowfall. Spring started early in April which was exceptionally hot which allowed a fast budburst. Then May the temperatures went down a bit and with some rain. Flowering was as usual at then end of May, beginning of June.
The months of July and August were beautiful. Mid-July temperatures reached peaks during the day but often the high temperatures were followed by rain in the evening, cooling down the vegetation. Sanitary state was perfect and maturities were quite late.
In September the temperatures lowered and the nights were cold allowing slow maturing of the grapes. Harvest started around September 25th.

Location

This wine comes from young vines planted on the plateau and lower hillside of the appellation of Saint Joseph, between the villages of Chavanay and Mauves.

Process

The grapes are cold-macerated before fermenting to develop the fruit. Maceration and fermentation for 15 days with pumping-over for the first few days, followed by punch-down.
Ageing in stainless steel tanks for 6 months to preserve the aromas a fruit and the freshness.

Tasting

Colour: Deep red
Nose: An aromatic wine with defined and gourmand aromas. Notes of blackcurrants and blueberries along with spices, traditional to Syrah.
Mouth: The attack is fresh and this wines shows its liveliness and its great balance. The tannins are soft and this wine gives immediate pleasure.

Serving

This wine must be drunk in the next 2 years.

Grapes

Syrah
Viognier