Domaine du Colombier : Crozes-Hermitage "Cuvée Gaby" 2022

Characteristics and tasting notes of the Crozes-Hermitage "Cuvée Gaby" 2022 from Domaine du Colombier

Tasting

Appearance
The wine reveals a deep, dark hue, enhanced by delicate violet highlights.

Nose
Particularly expressive, the nose exudes indulgent aromas of very ripe black fruits, such as blackberry and blackcurrant. The whole is elevated by subtle notes of spices, tobacco and a light smoky touch.

Palate
The attack is both crisp and remarkably supple. The palate rests on a serious, well-defined tannic structure, perfectly wrapped in fruit, extending towards a deliciously peppery finish.

Food and wine pairings

This red wine pairs beautifully with characterful meats such as a fine rib of beef, summer grilled dishes or a roast lamb. It will also accompany with finesse flavourful poultry, convivial bistro cuisine, as well as a selection of hard cheeses such as Cantal or Comté.

Serving and cellaring

Approachable from its youth, this 2022 vintage boasts a fine structure that will allow it to evolve favourably in the cellar and to be enjoyed until around 2032.

Domaine du Colombier, the authentic expression of the northern Rhône Valley

The estate

While the Viale family's history on these lands began in 1929, the official creation of the Domaine du Colombier dates back to 1991, driven by Florent Viale and his father. Located between Mercurol and Tain-l'Hermitage, this family estate is today run by Florent and his brother David Viale. With a vineyard of around sixteen hectares, the domaine stands out for its sustainable viticulture and low-intervention approach. It has thus established itself as an essential signature, renowned for the purity and consistency of its Rhône Valley wines.

The vineyard

The vines dedicated to this Crozes-Hermitage cuvée thrive on terroirs made up of fluvio-glacial alluvium, rich in sand and rolled pebbles. Averaging around 35 years of age, this vineyard benefits from a high planting density and controlled yields. The vines are tended within a sustainable environmental approach, very close to the principles of organic farming, in order to preserve the vitality of the soils and the authenticity of the fruit.

The vintage

The 2022 year stood out for its rather favourable weather in the region. Despite particularly hot summer temperatures, the growing cycle unfolded under good conditions, allowing the berries to reach an optimal level of ripeness while retaining a lovely balance and a welcome freshness.

Winemaking and ageing

Crafted using traditional methods, this wine is made from entirely destemmed grapes. Maceration takes place over a period ranging from fifteen days to three weeks in temperature-controlled vats, encouraging a gentle extraction. The wine is then aged for twelve months, with 65% in barrels and demi-muids and 35% in vats, in order to build structure while preserving the aromatic brilliance of the fruit.

Grape variety

Syrah (100%).