Description

ABOUT THE PRODUCER:
This family domain, located right in the heart of Crozes-Hermitage, was set up in 2006. It is run by Edgar and Jocelyne Girard and their son Sebastien. They produce top quality wines by combining traditional winemaking techniques and modern technology. The wines are produced organically with minimal sulphur use and have been certified organic since the 2012 vintage.

ABOUT THE VINEYARD:
Domaine la Ville Rouge cultivates its vineyard organically; the environment is respected and biodiversity is encouraged. The use of pesticides, herbicides and synthetic fertilisers is strictly prohibited. Instead, the vines are encouraged to draw essential minerals from the soil and so develop a better resistance to disease. The grapes come from relatively young vines, which are aged between 15 to 20 years old. The vineyard is undergoing conversion to biodynamic status, a philosophy which recognises the connection between all living things, and utilises lunar cycles and earth rhythms to dictate viticultural timings.

THE WINEMAKING PROCESS:
The wine was produced organically with a three day cold soak prior to controlled fermentation with natural yeasts and minimal sulphur use. Classic winemaking techniques were used, with regular pump overs and treading of the grapes to ensure the desired levels of extraction. 20% of the wine was matured in oak foudres of 20 hectolitres; the remainder was aged in stainless steel.

OUR TASTING NOTES:
An elegant and textured wine, which is almost black in colour, offering intense aromas of red fruits with savoury hints of black olives. Spicy peppery notes come through on the silky palate.

GRAPE VARIETY:
Syrah 100%.