Domaine François Villard - Côte-Rôtie - Le Gallet Blanc - Red - 2022

Wine:

Smooth and indulgent, the 2022 Red Côte Rôtie Le Gallet Blanc displays beautifully mature aromas of ripe fruit and spices. This pure Syrah, grown on schist soils and predominantly vinified with whole clusters, strikes a brilliant balance between power and finesse. With its vibrant freshness and ageing potential, this is a true standout—an undeniable success!

Vinification:

Hand harvested. Plots: Ampuis & Saint-Cyr-sur-Rhône (lieux-dits: Le plomb, Coté Bodin, Le Grand Taillis, Fontjean, Montlys, Servonnière and Le Mont). Whole grapes vinified for 90% of the crop. Fermented for 13 days in open wooden and stainless steel vats. Aged 18 months in oak barrels, of which 20% new and 80% 2-4 year-old barrels. Bottling in April 2024. Production of 24,000 bottles.

Color:

Deep red with purple highlights.

Nose:

Aromas of red and black fruit mixed with spicy notes and hints of ash and smoke from the Syrah.

Palate:

Dense and concentrated, the tannins are smooth and approachable, perfectly complementing the ripe, expressive flavours. This wine strikes an excellent balance between the Syrah’s indulgent character and its powerful structure, all lifted by the vibrant freshness that defines the finest 2022s.

Temperature:

Serve between 14 and 16°C in a large glass.

Food and wine pairing:

Rib of Salers or Charolais beef, duck breast, herb-crusted rack of lamb, mature cheeses.

Cellar aging:

From now until 2038.

A leading figure of the Rhône Valley, François Villard stands out with exceptional flair. His relentless energy and innovative spirit drive him to craft wines of remarkable character, consistently counted among the finest in their appellations.