CÔTE-RÔTIE AOC: TERRES SOMBRES 2009

• Origin: 1.8 ha of south/southeast-facing terraced vines located in renowned lieux-dits in the north of the appellation, in the municipality of Ampuis. "Terres Sombres” is not a district, it refers to the brown soil.

• Soils: schists typical of the north of this AOC area.

• Varieties planted: syrah.

• Cultivation: high-density planting (8,000-10,000 vines per hectare). No insecticides or pesticides, few treatments (depending on weather), small amount of organic-only fertiliser, with respect of soil and vine balance. Vigour and yield control, leaf-thinning and green harvesting to promote grape maturation.

• Vinification: the grapes are hand-picked; and then sorted, crushed and partially destemmed in the cellar. Fermented with native yeasts in open, temperature-controlled vats for about 3 weeks, with regular cap-punching and pumping-over. Malolactic-fermented in barriques.

• Maturing: 18 months in barriques.

• Alcohol content: 13%.

• Output: approx. 11,000 bottles.

• Style: a complex nose evoking spice-laced ripe red fruits and tapenade. Ample and powerful on the palate, balanced by an attractive tannic frame that imparts great length. Delicate maturation notes.

• Ageing: wine vinified for laying down; slightly hard when young. Preferable to wait 4-5 years, but it can age 15 years or more.

• Food match: game or other strong meat (e.g. spicy duck fillets).