Gallety : La Syrare Domaine 2020

Tasting characteristics and advice for La Syrare 2020 from Domaine Gallety

Tasting

Appearance
The wine displays a deep color with purple highlights, reflecting its remarkable concentration.

Nose
Intense and complex, the nose reveals aromas of ripe black fruits, notably blackcurrant and black cherry. Floral notes of violet and peony mingle harmoniously with spicy hints of black pepper. In the background, nuances of undergrowth and a subtle smoky dimension complete this rich, multi-layered bouquet.

Palate
The attack is broad and silky, carried by a beautiful tannic structure with fine, refined tannins. The palate shows a remarkable balance between generous fruit and a lively, well-defined freshness. The finish, exceptionally long, lingers on persistent notes of violet and pepper.

Food and wine pairings
This wine pairs perfectly with generous red meats and noble game. It wonderfully complements a beef stew with root vegetables, a roasted duck breast with spices, or a filet mignon with figs. Aged blue cheeses, such as Roquefort, also make an excellent match.

Serving and cellaring
It is recommended to open La Syrare 2020 at least one hour before serving, or even to decant it to bring out its full aromatic complexity. The ideal serving temperature is between 16 and 18°C. This wine has aging potential of at least 20 years, allowing it to evolve favorably until around 2040.

A powerful, structured red wine from the Rhône Valley

The estate
Acquired in 1974, the Domaine Gallety has established itself as the benchmark for the Côtes du Vivarais appellation. Located in Saint-Montan in Ardèche, the estate now spans 15 hectares of contiguous vineyards. A pioneer in organic farming since 1979, it has been run for more than 30 years by Alain Gallety and his son David-Alexandre. The estate stands out for its philosophy focused on quality rather than quantity, with deliberately limited yields and absolute respect for the terroir. Certified organic by Qualité-France, Domaine Gallety produces exceptional wines that rival the greatest crus of the Rhône Valley.

The vineyard
La Syrare comes from selected plots on the hillsides bordering the Rhône, benefiting from an ideal south-eastern exposure. The vines grow on clay-limestone soils, particularly well suited to Syrah. The predominance of clay on the upper slopes gives the wine its structure and aging potential. Farmed organically for more than 45 years, the vineyard is worked mechanically, without the use of herbicides. Yields are drastically limited to 12-15 hectoliters per hectare, ensuring maximum aromatic concentration. Harvesting is done by hand with meticulous sorting, first in the vineyard and then on the sorting table.

The vintage
The 2020 vintage in the Rhône Valley is characterized by a sunny yet balanced profile, offering optimal ripening conditions for the grapes.

Winemaking and aging
After partial destemming, La Syrare 2020 is vinified in concrete vats with native yeasts, following a cold pre-fermentation maceration. Alcoholic maceration lasts 45 days, with daily pump-overs and punch-downs, allowing optimal extraction of color, aromas, and tannins. Malolactic fermentations take place in vats. The wine is then aged for a full 2 years in new oak barrels, gradually developing its aromatic complexity and structure. Bottling is carried out without fining or filtration, preserving the full character of La Syrare 2020.

Grape variety
Syrah (100%)