IGP Collines Rhodaniennes, Les Craies Rouges is 100% Syrah, paying homage to the iconic grape variety from the Northern Rhône Valley in the simplest and purest possible version, as close as possible to the fruit and with a perfect balance between freshness and tastiness.
Presentation
Description
An association between two winegrowers from the Rhône Valley -Nicolas Jaboulet and Alexandre Caso-, Maison les Alexandrins offers northern Rhône wines in a style that is both contemporary and timeless, always based on exceptional terroirs unearthed by Alexandre Caso, terroir specialist from the Northern Rhône. These wines play the card of revisited classicism and aim for perfect harmony from an early age and this guides the aging and blending. Our vines are located in the townships of Beaumont Monteux and Pont de l'Isère on the right bank and on the Ardèche plateau.
Terroir
Originating from a vineyard that is currently undergoing organic conversion, in the heart of the beautiful landscape of the Drôme, it flourishes on clay-limestone soil. The vines run along the banks of the Rhône river, at the foot of the Vercors mountain, facing the sublime cliffs of the “Trois Becs”. A unique terroir which gives it a lot of freshness and crunchy fruit.
The vintage
Marked by contrasting climatic conditions, the 2025 vintage was a demanding, yet a promising year. After flowering under intense sunshine, a hailstorm at the end of June, and then a scorching August, the vines demonstrated remarkable resilience. While yields remained modest, the quality of the grapes concentrated, perfectly healthy, and exemplarily ripe promises great wines. The Roussanne and Marsanne, particularly early, opened the white harvest before the later-ripening Viognier, offering a nice spread out harvest. Syrah reached a uniform maturity across all appellations, requiring a quick and precise harvest. In the cellar, the reds revealed very healthy grapes and concentrated musts, favoring gentle vatting and giving rise to wines with a deep color, fine tannins, and delicious aromas. The whites, in excellent sanitary health, are distinguished by their acidic balance, their well-integrated structure and their beautiful aromas typical of northern grape varieties. Both whites and reds require careful aging to express all the complexity of a mature, harmonious vintage that promises very good aging. Like other years ending with the number 5, 2025 could well be among the very great vintages.
Process
In order to reveal all the simplicity of the pure fruit, “Les Craies Rouges” gets very little intervention: a partial destemming of the grapes on arrival in the cellar, a few pump-overs and 100% vinification in concrete vats. The minerality of the concrete enhances that of the terroir.
Varietal
Syrah
Specifications
Alcohol content : 13,50 % vol.
Advice
Tasting
Lovely deep red robe with brilliant highlights. Typical of Syrah, the nose offers an aromatic bouquet that is simultaneously powerful and subtle, dominated by aromas of candied red fruits underscored by notes of black pepper. The palate reveals a beautiful balance among freshness, precision, and concentration, displaying a silky texture. A wine that pays a beautiful tribute to Syrah, which is highly concentrated in this vintage. Cellar for 3 to 4 years to allow the tannins to soften and gain suppleness.
Food pairings
This accessible and easy-drinking wine is suitable for meals with friends and family. It will go wonderfully with simple traditional dishes such as red meat, beef tartare, a gourmet salad, or roast chicken.
Serving
Serve at 16-17°C. Drink within 3 years.
