Domaine Combier cuvée Clos de Grives 2018 (AOC Crozes-Hermitage)

AOC Crozes-Hermitages is a wine appellation founded in 1952 to highlight the value of the Syrah variety planted in soils of a diverse nature, unlike those of its neighbor Hermitage, which are more homogeneous. Crozes Hermitage reds can accept a limit of 15% white variety allowed. The approximately 1,700 hectares of this nord Rhône appellation are devoted to red wine, but a small part is destined for Roussanne-Marsanne white wines. Domaine Combier (Pont de l'Isère) proposes this Clos de Grives as its most unique wine.

Very dark color thanks to a 30-days maceration, with a robe that is still young. There are small sediments because we are talking about an artisan wine. Medium intensity in nose for very ripe black fruits, as macerated in liquor, accompanied by a beautiful complexity due to a Shiraz 60 years of age around thyme, garrigue or truffle hints. Entry in mouth of a certain roundness. Vibrant development with a freshness present in balance with volume (14% vol.) and structure. Very persistent finish with small ripe fruits and spices, leaving the tertiary register (12 months in Burgundy barrels) very well blurred.

A 1oo% Syrah that has not received any bad sulfur treatment and turns it into a wine with the organic label. We are talking about one of the wineries that work best in the appellation and how best they are positioning themselves in French luxury restaurants. All this justifies an approximate value of 45 euros (no, this blog does not sell wine at the moment). As a pairing you have to look for the protein product. Why not a Beef fillet mignon seasoned with five peppercorns and cognac? As a second option we can look for an Angus bok choy beef tenderloin, roasted fingerling potatoes, Swiss chard purée, chanterelles, Vinsobres red wine sauce.