Jean Michel Gerin Champin ‘le Seigneur’ Côte-Rôtie AOC 2019/2020

Domaine Jean-Michel Gerin was created in 1983 by the proprietor of the same name. Though some of the vines that Gerin inherited were much older. The vineyard is located right next to the town of Ampuis, at the heart of world-famous Côte-Rôtie vineyards. Nowadays, under the brand, they make several different wines from Rhône Valley, but the core products are still Côte-Rôtie and Condrieu.

For this particular wine. According to the wine law of  Côte-Rôtie AOC, Syrah and Viognier are co-planted. When they are harvested, 5% of Viognier is co-fermented with the Syrah. (Most of Côte-Rôtie wines have their Viognier no higher than 3%) Production yields is controlled at around 35 hL per hectare, due to both dedicated viticulture and topography.  The concentration and complexity of flavour are being again enhanced through 22 months barrique ageing, 20% new oak.

Côte-Rôtie is typically near full body Syrah, with violet, red fruit, earthy notes. This one is no exception. With careful ageing, the wine will develop exotic bouquet that resemble delicate cured meat, sweet spices and dried nuts. It’s amongst the most aromatic dry red wines in the world that will pair well with steak.