Vin de Pays Syrah : Grapes which come from the gentle hills of the northern Drôme are carefully vinified to bring out the classic qualities of the Syrah varietal. The grapes are macerated for approximately 8 days under controlled temperature to bring out the best of the varietal characteristics, without over extracting the tannins, retaining ripe fruit flavours and spicey freshness.
The largest of the northern Rhône appellations in surface area, the Crozes Hermitage offers a variety of different " terroirs ". The maceration can vary from a minimum of 8 days up to 3 weeks for the " Hauts du Fief " cuvée (from selected parcels). 30% of the " Nobles Rives " cuvée and 50% of the " Hauts du Fief " cuvée spend 8 to 12 months in oak, giving wines which are complex, full flavoured and aromatic. Careful use of new technologies in vinification (such as rack and return, " pigeage ") and in ageing (choice and toasting of the barrels, micro-oxygénation …) undoubtedly improves the overall quality of these classic wines.
Saint Joseph : Planted across the river on the slopes of the Ardèche, the Saint Joseph appellation is influenced by its granite soils. Maceration for a minimum of 10 days and up to 3 weeks, finishing fermentation at around 32°C, produces wines which are well structured, rich and with firm tanins. Ageing for 10 to 12 months in oak for 50% of the cuvée softens the tanins of the Saint Joseph "Classic" , and gives the wine its silky fullness. The "cuvée" "Esprit de Granit" comes from parcel selections on steep slopes. Its juice is run off whilst still warm directly
into oak barrels for an approximate 12 months ageing period . Tannic but elegant; the fruity notes reflect its origin and character.
Cornas : A small production area for this appellation, produced on steep slopes on the right bank of the Rhône, where the Syrah wines express themselves magnificently. This powerful, full bodied style is achieved through long, slow maceration. Lengthy ageing in barrel (12 to 18 months) is necessary in order to control the high tannins, and accentuate the specific and robust character of the Cornas.
Hermitage : Located on the only south facing hillside on the left bank of the northern Rhône, the Hermitage " terroirs " produce lower quantities of grapes but grapes of huge concentration. The vineyard plots, with wines a minimum of 30 years old, are very carefully selected for the production of the " Gambert de Loche " cuvée.
After long, slow maceration (3 to 4 weeks), the new wine is run off warm into barrels (100% new French oak for the Gambert de Loche cuvée), and then aged for 18 months to bring out finesse, concentration and power in this wine which has exceptional keeping qualities.
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