The Story of the Wine
Ah, Syrah from the Northern Rhône - it tends to be a bit of a weakness especially in this blockbuster 2015 vintage! If there was ever a time for wine enthusiasts to explore the wines of the Northern Rhône, well 2015 is THE vintage to do it. This Crozes-Hermitage from Domaine Pierre Gaillard (100% Syrah) is perfectly elegant, with alluring floral aromas, berry fruits, and earth– and one of the surest values for a high quality wine from this Cru appellation.
"Rhone 2015: Hotly tipped Vintage living up to its promise"- Decanter
"If you have any enthusiasm at all for red Rhône, 2015 is a vintage not to be missed."- Jancis Robinson
In the Northern Rhône, the Cru appellation of Crozes-Hermitage, sits on the left bank of the Rhône River. This is a land of steep slopes and plateaus where wind and slope direction yield aromatic, charming wines. If you're used to the boisterous Syrahs from Australia or even California, this wine might appear lighter in style, but don't be fooled. It’s got lots of power thanks to the acidity and tannins, since it hails from a cooler climate.
Crozes-Hermitage are elegant and refined, with rich berry flavors married with earthy undertones. Syrah’s are such a versatile fellow that pairs with duck, lamb, and pork all because it's a hearty red whose cost won't beak your heart.
What makes Crozes-Hermitage unique is the soil of clay mixed with gravel from different glacial periods, yielding fruity notes. The two appellations Crozes-Hermitage and Hermitage are the only two Cru's of the Northern Rhône on the left bank. Their names sound similar, but they are VERY different. Hermitage wines are some of the most expensive Syrah's in the world at $100+ bottle. Also, they need years in the cellar before they hit their stride. Crozes-Hermitages are friendlier - they can be enjoyed younger and they are very affordable for this part of the world.
Jeanne Gaillard, Pierre Gaillard's daughter, is the winemaker for this Crozes-Hermitage. She's a graduate of the Wine Lycee in Beaune, but got her start much earlier. She fell into the family business at when she was 4-years-old. Jeanne started "helping" in the vines (rumor has it, Jeanne's entree was due to some mischief).
This Crozes-Hermitage is made from 100% Syrah. The grapes are from a 5 ha, contiguous parcel vineyard, planted in the early 1980s. The gravel soils provide good drainage and. Jeanne ages the wine for 12-months in aged oak barrels. This enables the Crozes-Hermitage to retain its fruity berry notes, alluring delicate floral aromas, while at the same time acquiring structure and finesse from the oak.
“what I found especially thrilling when tasting my way through the 2015 northern Rhones was that is it not necessary to pay top dollar in order to experience 2015s sumptuous combination of reipeness and precision. The lesser appellations of St-Joseph and Crozes-Hermitage have also excelled themselves.”- Jancis Robinson
We've been importing the wines of Pierre Gaillard for several years because of their consistent high-quality and value. Now is your chance to experience affordable Syrah from a Cru appellation in Northern Rhône from an amazing vintage. - Cynthia Hurley French Wines
