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
After 2023 which was full of contrasts, 2024 was once again a year marked by considerable challenges, requiring great composure and the benefit of experience to face the temperamental climate. After a mild winter, April was marked by frost, followed by intense rain throughout the spring and early summer until mid-July, followed by drought in August. These conditions were particularly testing for us: the fight against mildew, especially with its impact on the inflorescences, required constant attention. The harvest thus began around September 10th, requiring daily adjustments to the heterogeneity of the grape maturity. We had to taste and analyse the berries every day and the weather determined strategic choices and we had to constantly change the harvest schedule to harvest each plot at its optimal maturity. A painstaking work that was worth it, with a decisive impact on the quality and style of the vintage. Despite all these difficulties, the final quality of the grapes offers some great surprises. The first tastings are very promising with crisp and delicious reds and beautiful whites with melted acidity and a beautiful structure on the palate. The devatting has started and the ageing period that follows will allow our wines to improve and gain complexity.
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
A beautiful deep red colour with shiny reflections. Typical of Syrah, the nose offers an aromatic bouquet that is both powerful and subtle, dominated by very pretty intense black fruit underlined by notes of licorice, spices and pepper. The palate reveals a beautiful balance between freshness and concentration, with a silky and finely chiseled texture with soft tannins and all the deliciousness of seductive aromas of morello cherries, spices and violet. The long finish is perfectly balanced by a beautiful freshness. A wine that pays homage to Syrah, with its great balance.
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.
