Rhone Valley mixed case (6 bottles)

Of the three main grape varieties used for Côtes du Rhône wines (Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre), Syrah dominates in the north of the valley where it originates, while Grenache and Mourvèdre, both of Spanish origin, are more prevalent in the south.  White grape varieties in this mixed case are Marsanne, Rousanne, Grenache Blanc and Vermentino.  All of these wines are certified Organic and 4/6 are certified Biodynamic.

This Mixed Case will feature some of our favourite wines from the Southern Rhone, in particular Cotes du Rhone, Costieres de Nimes and Lirac with Northern Rhone appellations such as Crozes Hermitage and Saint-Perey.

1 bottle of Sons of Domaine Lafond Roc-Epine Lirac, 2022 - Made from 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah and with 10% Mourvèdre - to add structure - grown on a rocky, sandy plot with pebbles and lime/clay (similar to the stones in Chateauneuf-du-Pape) and situated right accross the river from Chateauneuf. After fermentation, the wines are matured in stainless steel tanks until the first racking which gives freshness and lift to the wine. Then the wine is finished in new oak barrels for 3 or 4 months to get a smoother tannin and to oxygenate the wine. A powerful and well-built wine, a deep ruby colour with violet tints. A complex nose of vanilla, fruits and griotte-cherries. The attack is rich and firm; the palate expresses long lasting nuances of vanilla and pepper. This is a smooth and rich wine with a very good length.

1 bottle of Domaine Belle Les Pierrelles Crozes-Hermitage, 2023 -  (100 % Syrah) showcases a deep ruby hue and a rich, expressive nose laden with black fruits such as cassis and blackberry, layered with complex notes of leather, spice, and subtle earthiness. On the palate, the wine is elegantly textured, delivering round, silky tannins, a velvety mid-palate, and a poised balance between ripe dark fruit and savory spice. Sustainably farmed, vinified traditionally in stainless tanks, and aged 12–14 months in oak, this forward yet nuanced Syrah is ideal with grilled red meats, game, or character-driven cheeses.

1 bottle of: M. Chapoutier Haut Chamblard, Saint-Peray 2021 - Saint-Péray is the southernmost appellation in the Northern Rhône and makes exclusively white wines, including some sparkling. The Haut Chamblard Saint-Péray is pure Marsanne sourced from the newest in the M. Chapoutier portfolio, planted on decomposed granite soil with high sand and quartz content. This biodynamic Marsanne is aged on fine lees in large 600 litre demi-muids for up to a year, delivering this generous drop with notes of toast, almond and brown butter on the nose and well-balanced, luxurious and soft-textured palate.

Light yellow hue with golden tints. A lightly toasted first nose with hints of almond and brown butter then, after the wine has had a chance to breathe, complex aromas of ripe yellow-fleshed fruit and sweet spices emerge.

1 bottle of: Chateau Mourgues du Gres, Galets Dores, 2024- Predominantly Grenache Blanc with a little Vermentino and Roussanne, this graceful white wine combines fruitiness and freshness.  Notes of citrus fruits are mingled with the aromas of white flowers and a touch of minerality.

The ‘Galets’ are a homage to stony soil called ‘grès’. Sculpted by the moraine of the Rhône river in the Quaternary Period, they are emblematic of our terroir that is located near the river. This stony soil is complemented by the originality of a chalky soil from the Mesozoic Era, rarer in their Appellation and best suited to this white wines. The wines are vinified without sulphur for more purity and fruitiness. A slight addition at bottling to assure the stability of the wine.

1 bottle of Aleph Cotes du Rhone Villages, Massif d'Uchaux, 2022 - Nelly France and Arnaud de Boelly are freshly installed in the Rhône Valley. Although they have been working for other wineries in the area since 2011, the idea of starting their own winery only become a reality with the 2016 vintage. Their winery is located in Lemps, in the northern Rhône, between Lyon and Avignon and they have vineyards in Saint Joseph, Cornas, Collines Rhodaniennes, Côtes du Rhône Villages Massif d'Uchaux and Sainte Cécile, as well as in Côtes du Rhône. Working organically, with no chemical input of any sort in their vines, the plan is to convert to biodynamic little by little.

1 bottle of Chateau Mourgues du Gres, Galets Rouge, 2023 -  Classic red wine from the southern part of the Rhone Valley. Predominantly Syrah with Grenache, a touch of Marselan and Mourvedre depending on the vintage.  Notes of violets and enticing aromatic red fruits. The Syrah vines are more than forty years old, and their well-established root systems probe the clay calcareous marl in search of moisture.

Vinification without sulphur for more purity and fruitiness. A slight addition at bottling to ensure the stability and ageing of the wine. Aged between 12 and 15 months in concrete vats for a wine that unites roundness, freshness and balance.