Country: France  Region: Lombardia  Vintage: 2013

Varietal: Syrah/Shiraz and Blends  Category: Red Wine  Color:  Red

Producer: Maison Nicolas Perrin

"Maison Nicolas Perrin brings together the scions of two of the great families of the Rhône, Nicolas Jaboulet, formerly of the eponymous winery in Tain, and the Perrin family of Château de Beaucastel. This joint venture micro-négociant was created in 2009 with the sole aim of producing top quality Northern Rhône wines. Nicolas is able to source the best fruit and wines from growers and producers that he has formed a long standing relationship with, while the Perrin family bring expertise in winemaking and blending, as well as the use of their cellars.

The partnership stems from a long standing friendship, a shared love of gastronomy and a philosophy to create wines that represent the best of their appellation. We were impressed by the precision of the wines which, allied with their modern style and the emphasis on fruit.

The Crozes Hermitage Blanc is made solely from Marsanne. It is fresh with hints of honeysuckle and dried herbs and an appealing weight and complexity derived from the 10 months it spends in used barrels. The Syrah/Viognier is made with 98% Syrah with 2% Viognier to add finesse and softness. The Crozes Hermitage Rouge is fragrant and juicy with hints of black pepper, fine tannins and balanced acidity. Grapes for the Saint-Joseph are from the north of the appellation and also from the historical centre. The former give minerality and fruitiness, while the latter provide more flesh and body.

The Côte Rôtie is round and velvety while still possessing the heady perfume of violets. The Hermitage Blanc is a blend of 70% Marsanne and 30% Roussanne, fermented separately then aged in new French oak for 10 months. This adds complexity and richness to the honeyed and ripe stone fruit aromas, while the quality of the fruit ensures an incredibly long finish. The Ermitage Red comes from a vineyard right above 'La Chapelle'. Nicolas Perrin only makes a few barrels of this wine each year. While more structured than the Côte Rôtie, it is restrained with aromas of red and black fruits, racy acidity and fine firm tannins that will soften with time. Like all of the Nicolas Perrin wines, this Ermitage is surprisingly approachable, yet we can also see the rewards of patience if this wine is left to develop, which it will do so beautifully."

 Product Features:  Sustainable;Vegetarian

 Product Allergens:  Sulphites

Winemaker: Marc Perrin & Nicolas Jaboulet

Vineyards:

The vineyard of Côte Rôtie is located on the hills of the right bank of the Rhône river. Some of the slopes exceed 60%. The vineyard is located at an altitude ranging between 180 and 325 metres and is composed of 73 localities. The main stone is granite covered in places by schist but also sand and calcareous soils. The wine is made from grapes primarily sourced from the southern part of the appellation; Côte Blonde and Côteau de Tupin.

Vinification:

The grapes are cold-macerated before being fermented to increase the aromas of fruit. Maceration and fermentation for about 20 days with pumping-over for the first few days followed by punching-down. The wine was aged in one year old oak barrels for 15 months.

Tasting Notes:

The dark colour of this wine hints of its good concentration. The nose, initially restrained, opens up to intense aromas of black fruit and spices. The palate is silky and elegant with a lively finish, indicative of its ageing potential.

Food Suggestion: Slow roasted lamb is a great match for this wine.

Closure: Natural Cork  ABV:13%  Classification: AOP  Acidity [g/l]: 5.6