Tardieu Laurent : Nobles Origines 2021

Characteristics and tasting advice for the Nobles Origines 2021 by Tardieu Laurent

Tasting

Appearance

The wine displays a deep red color highlighted by subtle violet hues.

Nose

The bouquet reveals lovely complexity dominated by ripe black fruit with berry notes, enhanced by aromas of white pepper. Spicy nuances of violet and licorice gradually emerge, accompanied by discreet earthy touches and delicate scents of fresh flowers.

Palate

The attack is juicy and appealing, with fine density of black fruit without heaviness. The tannic structure is suave and perfectly integrated, forming a delicate framework that elegantly frames the generous fruit. The finish lingers with respectable length, revealing growing complexity. The acidity brings remarkable freshness that harmoniously balances the richness of ripe fruit, delivering an overall silky texture.

Food and wine pairings

This wine pairs perfectly with grilled or roasted red meats, notably lamb and beef. It also goes beautifully with game in sauce, woodland mushroom dishes, and traditional Provençal recipes featuring black olives, tomatoes, and garlic. Aged goat cheeses and blue-veined cheeses make excellent tasting companions.

Serving and cellaring

Nobles Origines 2021 can be served slightly cool at around 14.5°C. It is recommended to decant it for at least one hour before tasting to allow it to fully express its aromas.

An exceptional Côtes du Rhône by Tardieu Laurent

The estate

Tardieu Laurent is a Maison founded in 1994 by Michel Tardieu and Dominique Laurent. This family-run company, now led by Michel alongside his wife Michèle and their children Bastien and Camille, has established itself as one of the benchmarks of the Rhône Valley. Recognized as an outstanding producer by the Bettane & Desseauve guide and awarded two stars by the Revue du Vin de France, the Maison pursues a philosophy of excellence rooted in rigorous selection of the finest terroirs and respectful winemaking. Certified organic since 2020, Tardieu Laurent embodies an unceasing quest for quality and authenticity.

The Maison maintains close relationships with a small number of partner winegrowers who own very old vines, located in the historic heart of each appellation. Michel and Bastien Tardieu continually travel the Rhône Valley vineyards in search of the finest grapes and the most expressive terroirs. This personal approach, grounded in genuine human relationships, fundamentally sets Tardieu Laurent apart from the impersonal practices of some modern merchants.

The vineyard

The Côtes du Rhône Nobles Origines comes from remarkably old vines for a regional appellation: Grenache around fifty years old, Syrah in its forties, and Mourvèdre aged thirty to forty years. This advanced vine age gives the wine greater complexity, depth, and structural stability. The blend also includes declassified crus from sandy terroirs, adding further depth and delicacy to this cuvée.

The vintage

The 2021 vintage marks a return to classic conditions after several particularly hot, dry years. A catastrophic frost episode between April 7 and 9, with temperatures dropping to around -10°C, affected nearly all French vineyards. The vines remained profoundly unbalanced for several weeks. Nevertheless, beneficial rainfall throughout the growing cycle, combined with moderate summer temperatures and a magnificent late autumn season, made it possible to approach harvest with confidence and achieve excellent phenolic ripeness.

Vinification and aging

Nobles Origines 2021 benefited from precise vinification, with around one third of the grapes vinified as whole clusters, while the remaining two thirds were destemmed before maceration. This wine was bottled without fining or filtration, thus preserving the full expression of the fruit and the wine’s intrinsic delicacy. Aging took place over ten months in new French barrels and barrels that had held one or two wines from Allier and Tronçais, followed by an additional eight months in foudres. This combination allows for more gradual integration of the oak while avoiding an excessive dominance of woody characters.

Grape varieties

Grenache (70%), Syrah (20%), Mourvèdre (10%)