East of the granitic mass that is Hermitage, winemaker and owner Frank Faugier cuts a large and distinctly rural figure which is at odds with his modern and impeccably clean winery. His understated, easy going nature comes through in his no fuss winemaking method that allows the elegance of Syrah and the superb location within CrozesHermitage to show through. No tricks here, just honest and flavorsome wines.
Presentation
Presentation
Domaine des Hauts Châssis was taken over in 1998 by Franck FAUGIER, the 5th generation to cultivate vines on the Châssis terroir. It is located in the heart of the "Les Châssis" area in the south of the Crozes-Hermitage appellation. The Domaine's surface area is 20 hectares and covers the following appellations: Crozes-Hermitage, Saint-Joseph, Saint-Péray and also vinifies the appellations: Hermitage, Condrieu. The estate has been using organic farming methods since 2017.
Terroir
Soils of Alphine dilvium composed of large pebble stones with presence of coarse sands and red
clay. The large pebbles on the surface collect the heat during the day and transfer the heat to the
vines during the night.
clay. The large pebbles on the surface collect the heat during the day and transfer the heat to the
vines during the night.
In the vineyard
The grapes are harvested by hand and with no intervention of chemical products, but uses copper
treatments very sparingly to facilitate the micro-organisms in the soil. The winery is modern
(stainless steel tanks) but respect for tradition permeates the winemaking process.
Vines between 30 and 60 years old.
treatments very sparingly to facilitate the micro-organisms in the soil. The winery is modern
(stainless steel tanks) but respect for tradition permeates the winemaking process.
Vines between 30 and 60 years old.
Winemaking
Destemming before vatting, then pre-fermentation cold maceration (6-8°C) for 3-4 days, fermentation at 26-28°C, post-fermentation hot maceration (27°C) for 15-20 days.
Ageing
Matured in barrels, demi-muid or 400 L of 3 to 7 wines for 12 months (malolactic fermentation in barrels)
Varietal
Syrah : 100%
Specifications
Alcohol content : 14 % vol.
Contains sulphites. Contains egg or egg products.
Advice
Serving
16°C/61°F
Ageing potential
Enjoy all year long, 5 to 10 years
Tasting
Deep mahogany colour with mauve hues, the nose will discover an elaborate and accomplished expression where the toasted aspect is the frame for a candied spicy and floral expression of vanilla, cacao and coffee liqueur, ras-el-hanout and nutmeg, camphor, dried flowers, fruit brandy. The soft and generous palate is supple and velvety with gentle tannins.
Food pairings
Rack of lamb, white meat, saddle of rabbit, guinea fowl.
