Saint Cosme Cotes Du Rhone 2022

#9 Wine Spectator Top 10 Wine Values of 2023 : Saint Cosme - located north to the village of Gigondas - is the most ancient estate in the region. Lying on the site of a Gallo-Roman villa which most likely had its own vineyard, the estate's existence in 1416 is attested by a document mentioning the granting by Jean de Chalon, Price of Orange, of "land for the planting of vines on the Saint Cosme slopes." The Barruol's ancestors acquired it in 1570, and at the end of the sixteenth century built a splendid residence over the existing cellars. 

Saint Cosme owns 15 hectares of old vines (average 60 years old) producing Gigondas wines from their vineyards which encircle the château. In 1997, it was with the 'savoir-faire' of this vigneron to create a négociant-vigneron company to work with ancient growing methods and represent the terroir of the Rhône Valley. They sought out small producers to work with, with the same quality ambitions.

This unoaked Côtes-du-Rhône made of 100% Syrah has a dark color, with a captivating nose of blackberry, blackcurrant and blueberry and a lush, profound palate of fruit. All of this revolves around a rich Rhône style with abundant yet fine, supple tannins and good salinity. Crafted with partially destemmed fruit from vines grown in soils with limestone sand, red clay and pebbles on Villafranchian terraces.

The Syrah grape requires a warm climate to fully ripen but enough moderating effect to produce intense, aromatic wines that are not overwhelmed by sweetness and alcohol. This Syrah grows in ideal terroirs of the southern Rhône and shows the varietal's typical spicy notes of sandalwood, violets, and black pepper. Syrah, with its deep flavors and firm tannins, is a natural match for grilled or smoked meat and dishes featuring herbs, roasted mushrooms, and onions. Seared venison or beef with black pepper and thyme or a Moroccan tagine of pigeon or chicken are complimented by the spicy characteristic of Syrah.