Domaine du Colombier : Crozes-Hermitage "Cuvée Gaby" 2023

Characteristics and tasting notes for the 2023 Crozes-Hermitage Red Domaine du Colombier

Tasting

Colour
The colour reveals a deep ruby hue, enhanced by brilliant purple highlights that reflect a fine concentration.

Nose
Rich and expressive, the bouquet opens with intense aromas of ripe dark fruits such as blackcurrant and blackberry, nuanced by hints of morello cherry. Delicate spicy notes of black pepper and liquorice intertwine with a very subtle oakiness.

Palate
The attack is generous and full-bodied, offering a velvety texture. The tannic structure, both powerful and elegant, supports a dense body. The finish lingers on a lovely freshness, punctuated by spicy notes and a hint of salinity.

Food and wine pairing

This red wine pairs wonderfully with grilled red meats such as rib steak, or slow-cooked dishes like roast leg of lamb. It also goes very well with roast poultry, a fine charcuterie board, or semi-hard cheeses such as Saint-Nectaire.

Service and storage

To fully enjoy this Crozes-Hermitage Red 2023, it is recommended to serve it at a temperature between 15 and 16°C, taking care to open or decant it about 30 minutes before tasting. This wine offers immediate pleasure but will continue to evolve favourably, with a drinking window extending to around 2029.

The authentic expression of Syrah in the Crozes-Hermitage appellation

The estate

Founded in 1929, Domaine du Colombier is a family-run estate with historic roots in Mercurol, in the heart of the Northern Rhône Valley. Originally sharecroppers, the ancestors gradually expanded their land holdings. A major turning point came in 1991, when the family decided to vinify and bottle their own wines, ending sales to négociants. Today, the estate is run by brothers Florent and David Viale, representing the third generation. Driven by a deep respect for the environment, the estate is renowned for authentic wines that faithfully reflect their prestigious terroirs.

The vineyard

Spanning 16 hectares, the vineyard benefits from a complex mosaic of soils combining granite, clay, limestone, glacio-fluvial alluvium, and loess terraces. The plots dedicated to the Crozes-Hermitage appellation are cultivated at a high planting density, trained on individual stakes. The vines are tended entirely by hand, without any chemical herbicides, following an approach very close to organic farming in order to encourage root competition and berry concentration.

Winemaking and aging

Following entirely hand-harvested grapes and rigorous sorting, the 2023 Crozes-Hermitage Red is vinified with minimal intervention in stainless steel and concrete vats, relying on indigenous yeasts. The wine is then aged for twelve months, with 80% in oak demi-muids and 20% in concrete vats, refining the structure while preserving the natural brightness of the fruit.

Grape variety

100% Syrah.