VDF – Christelle Betton – Syrah – red

Description

The 2024 Syrah from Christelle Betton is a red cuvée from young vines on the outskirts of the Crozes-Hermitage appellation, on alluvial and clay-limestone soils typical of the plains of the northern Rhône Valley. Classified as Vin de France or IGP depending on the vintage, this cuvée is vinified with the same rigour as the appellation cuvées, with an emphasis on freshness, accessibility and showcasing pure fruit.

The single grape variety used here is, of course, Syrah, emblematic of the region, harvested at full ripeness to ensure a perfect balance between freshness, fruit and structure. The sustainable viticulture practised by Christelle Betton encourages biodiversity and respect for living things, with limited intervention in the vineyard and hand harvesting wherever possible, or very selective machine harvesting on the young plots.

In the cellar, the winemaking is deliberately simple and precise. The grapes are fully destemmed to limit green tannins and favour purity of fruit. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, with a short maceration of 10 to 12 days for gentle extraction. No oak ageing is used, so as to preserve the direct aromatic expression of the Syrah. The wine is then lightly filtered and bottled quickly to keep all its liveliness.

On tasting, this 2024 Syrah shows a brilliant ruby colour, clear and radiant. The nose is frank and aromatic, with notes of raspberry and morello cherry, accompanied by violet and a discreet touch of white pepper. On the palate, the attack is supple; the wine is light, fluid and easy-drinking, with a lovely acid backbone that gives it zip. The tannins are fine and well integrated, and the finish is fruity, fresh and slightly spicy, with no heaviness.

This wine is ideal for drinking now, in a spirit of conviviality. It is a perfect match for aperitifs, charcuterie boards, simple grilled meats, or home-style cooking such as hachis parmentier or a savoury tart. Enjoy it lightly chilled, at around 14 to 15 °C, to bring out its freshness.

Grape variety: 100% Syrah
Terroir: Alluvial and clay-limestone soils
Viticulture: Sustainable
Vinification: Fully destemmed, stainless steel tanks, short maceration
Ageing: Exclusively in stainless steel tanks
Serving temperature: 14–15 °C
Cellaring: 2 to 3 years

A young and charming Syrah, true to its name, which plays the card of freshness, immediate fruit and easy drinking, crafted with precision by Christelle Betton.