Crozes-hermitage, Francois Villard, Certitude, Rhône, France

Tasting Note This cuvée strikes a harmonious chord, offering a vibrant bouquet of red berries with a delicate touch of spice, hints of violets, black cherry, cassis and black pepper. On the palate, it reveals both character and finesse, with a juicy, expressive profile that’s full of charm and balance. Grapes 100% Syrah How to Drink The fruity elegance in this wine makes it a great pairing for venison terrine, Coq au vin and daube of beef, or simply by itself! Producer Information Situated in the heart of the Northern Rhône, Domaine François Villard is a modern, family-owned winery known for its devotion to crafting exquisite wines. The adventure of this lauded winery began in 1989 when François Villard, a former chef, materialised his passion for winemaking by planting his first vines in Saint-Joseph and Condrieu. From these humble beginnings, Villard expanded the vineyard to over 40 hectares over multiple appellations including Côte-Rôtie and Saint-Peray. The recently expanded winery perched above Saint-Michel-sur-Rhône, once modest in size, is now brimming with vats and barrels, yet the exceptional quality remains unwavering. The vineyards are cultivated with an absolute respect for the environment, with an aim to preserve the natural character and potential of the terroir, minimal grape handling and the utilisation of modern and traditional winemaking methods, producing distinctive wines that express the character of each vintage. Particularly renowned for its Viognier, Marsanne, and Syrah, each wine from Domaine François Villard is an exciting blend of complexity and depth. Producing around 450,000 bottles annually, the domaine offers a diverse portfolio of 23 cuvées from some of the northern Rhône Valley’s most celebrated appellations, including Condrieu, Côte- Rôtie, Saint-Joseph, Crozes-Hermitage, Cornas and Saint-Péray. These wines regularly grace the tables of top restaurants worldwide – a testament to their enduring excellence. Production Information This Syrah comes from a selection of vineyards situated in Chanos-Curson, Beaumont-Monteux, and Mercurol - villages located in the heart of the Crozes-Hermitage appellation in the northern Rhône Valley. These sites benefit from a warm, continental climate and favorable exposure, contributing to the ripening and concentration of the grapes. The vines, now around 15 years old, are rooted in a combination of rolled pebbles, sand, and clay. This diverse soil composition provides excellent drainage while retaining enough moisture and nutrients to support healthy vine growth and complex fruit expression. The wine undergoes a careful ageing process over 16 months, starting with 12 months in a mix of wooden barrels and truncated conical vats to develop structure, depth, and subtle oak influence. This is followed by 4 months in stainless steel vats, allowing the wine to rest and integrate its components while preserving its fruit purity and freshness. The result is a balanced and expressive Crozes-Hermitage that reflects both its terroir and thoughtful craftsmanship.