Domaine Courbis Saint-Joseph Les Royes 2010
The elegant Syrah is grown on circa 6 hectares of vineyards in the northern Rhone region from vines that are over 30 years old. Sadly, the northern Rhone is not considered a prestigious wine growing region by the average consumer. However, after a description from my last experience, I would hope to entice you to take a sip of this area and fall in love, as I have, with the elegance of it, which is perfectly accompanied with the menu of the gourmet restaurant Sonne at Bottmigen.
Only 18,000 bottles of this wine are produced. After fermentation, which takes place in modern INOX tanks, it matures for about 16-18 months, depending on the year, in oak of which only 20% are in new barrels so the fruity aroma is not covered. The Domaine Courbis is located near the confluence of the Rhone, which flows from the Valais in the north to the Mediterranean sea and banked to the right by the Isere river, upright on sun-facing granite vineyards. It is the southernmost of the AOC Domaine Saint-Joseph, near the AOC Cornas. Some white wines may also be found here; Marsanne 97% and Roussane 3%.
The Sonne restaurant’s own Chef Philippe Bamas’ roots are from the picturesque Provence region, which is adjacent to the southern Rhone. His cooking style inspired by his world travels. The result is an easy and perfectly paired cuisine in harmony with the velvety, spicy, and mighty mineral punch of the Syrah from Saint Joseph Les Royes. 2010 shows enormous potential; the fruit aromas are present in the foreground while the tannins still present in the palate.
I hope to have awaken the desire to take a dip in the Rhone. Don’t wait for a trip to the region, visit the Sonne team and enjoy a bottle of this special wine.
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