François Villard : Reflet 2022

Characteristics and tasting notes of Saint-Joseph "Reflet" 2022 by François Villard

Tasting notes

Colour
This French red wine displays a beautiful, clear ruby hue, enhanced by purplish highlights characteristic of its youth.

Nose
The bouquet reveals itself as particularly seductive and complex. It opens with aromas of ripe red fruits such as cherry and raspberry, joined by blackberry. These are complemented by peppery notes, touches of aromatic herbs reminiscent of a bouquet garni, as well as a delicate minerality evoking crushed stone and subtle floral nuances.

Palate
The attack is silky, introducing a concentrated texture with a medium to full body. The tannins are elegantly polished. The mid-palate unfolds typical spicy flavours, perfectly supported by a beautiful mineral tension. The finish, remarkably persistent, ends on a subtle balance with fine touches of graphite.

Food and wine pairing

This cuvée will pair perfectly with grilled or roasted red meats, such as a hanger steak or beef tartare. It will also enhance duck breast or dishes flavoured with Mediterranean herbs such as thyme and rosemary.

Service and storage

The Saint-Joseph "Reflet" 2022 can be enjoyed in its youth after a light decanting, but it will reveal its full complexity after a few years in the cellar. It can be enjoyed until around 2035.

Other characteristics

This wine has been praised by critics, notably earning a score of 95/100 from Jeb Dunnuck. It stands out for its moderate alcohol level, enhancing its drinkability and elegance.

The elegance and mineral precision of a Saint-Joseph wine

The estate

A former chef passionate about winemaking, François Villard founded his estate in 1989 with the first plantings in Condrieu. Located in Saint-Michel-sur-Rhône, in the Rhône Valley, the estate has gradually grown to encompass over 42 hectares of vines today. Still at the helm of the estate, François Villard is renowned for his minimal-intervention approach and deep respect for terroir. Certified organic since 2022, the estate produces authentic wines that reflect the full richness of the region.

The vineyard

The grapes for this cuvée come from the Saint-Joseph appellation. The vines, around 25 years old, are planted on steep slopes with gradients reaching up to 60 degrees. This unique terroir is composed of granite soils rich in quartz. The continental climate, swept by Mediterranean winds, promotes optimal ripening of the berries. The entire vineyard is worked by hand, with the utmost respect for the environment and biodiversity.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes for the Saint-Joseph "Reflet" 2022 are harvested by hand to select only the best berries at optimal ripeness. Fermentation begins spontaneously through indigenous yeasts, with a proportion of whole clusters. The wine is then aged for 15 to 20 months, partly in French oak barrels (including a proportion of new wood), foudres, and truncated conical vats. The wine is unfiltered but may undergo light fining before bottling to preserve its purity.

Grape variety

100% Syrah