About this winery

"Domaine & Maison Les Alexandrins" came into being with the collaboration of three figures of the Northern Rhone Valley: Nicolas Jaboulet, 6th generation of a winegrowing family in Tain l’Hermitage since 1834, Guillaume Sorrel, son of Marc Sorrel of Domaine Sorrel in Hermitage, and Alexandre Caso, specialist in the terroirs of the Northern Rhone. They came together in 2012 when Nicolas Jaboulet (head of Maison Nicolas Perrin founded in 2007) and Guillaume Sorrel along with Alexandre Caso (who...

See the LES ALEXANDRINS detail page for more information on this brand

Product notes

Syrah grapes express their full potential in their home town in France, located between Vienne and Valence. Some believe this variety appeared in the town of Shiraz in Iran and was brought by crusaders. For others, it appeared in the III century during the days of the Roman Empire, under the leadership of Emperor Probus. As for Viognier grapes, the latest scientific research has demonstrated that it originates from Northern Rhone.

Terroir:
PEDOLOGY
The substratum of the right bank of the Rhône River is composed of primary rocks such as Gneiss and granite from old volcanic rocks from the Massif Central. Its sandy-clay soils are also composed of granite elements. The important amount of granite gives the wine a powerful and rustic character as well as minerality. The geological components of the left bank of the Rhône are more varied. There is granite soil as well as some plots covered in pebbles remaining from the glaciers. The pebbles have been rounded and polished by the Rhône and keep the heat of the day and give it back at night. This helps the concentration of sugars and aromas.

CLIMATE
Situated between the semi-continental climate of Burgundy and the Mediterranean climate of Provence, the winters are continental: cold, wind and little rain. The summers are Mediterranean: hot with storms and little wind. Thanks to the contrast in the climate, this Syrah reveals intense aromas of red fruit and spices and a beautiful minerality.

After 2010 (a very balanced vintage) and 2009 (a powerful vintage), 2011 offered plenty fruit, freshness and body. Besides a hot spring and early flowering, the summer was relatively cold and wet and the advance made was caught up. During the month of September, the sun dominated most of the time and the maturity was progressive. The crop came in continuously until the first days of October for the plots of higher elevation and needed more time to reach perfect maturity. The crop was healthy, the grapes of good quality and the quantities were plentiful.

The vineyard, composed of young vines of an average age of 15 years, is planted on terraces. It covers the hinterland of the Nothern Côtes du Rhône. It is situated on localities of the Southern Rhône, Loire, Isère, northern Drôme and north Ardèche.

Production notes

The grapes are cold-macerated before fermenting to develop the fruit. Maceration and fermentation for a fortnight with pumping over the first few days and then pumping down towards the end. Part of the wine is aged for 5-6 months in stainless steel tanks. This type of tank helps keep the freshness and fruit. The other part is aged in oak tanks for the same amount of time to help extract the tannins.

When Syrah is blended with Viognier, we obtain a wine with more aromatic elegance and finesse. On the granite terroir of the Northern Rhône Valley, this blend gives freshness and body to the wine. The rather dry and hot 2011 vintage was characterised by a full-bodied wine with great maturity.

Tasting notes

Colour: Bright Ruby in colour with purple undertones
Nose: Red fruit, full-bodied and very harmonious with aromas of blackcurrant, blueberries along with notes of spice.
Mouth: The attack is fresh, the wine is lively and mineral. The tannins are soft and round and give immediate pleasure. The balance between alcohol and acidity reveals a harmonious wine. The softness and finesse of Viognier allows to create a wine that is more powerful and full bodied than a simple Syrah.
Food match: This wine will match simple, convivial meals such as grilled meats, cheeses or even an exotic or spicy cuisine.