Granite-Grown Elegance – Pure Syrah from the Northern Rhône's Steep Slopes
Bonjour! Let me introduce you to a wine that embodies the soul of the Northern Rhône – hand-harvested on vertiginous granite slopes, crafted with passion, and brimming with the intensity and elegance that only Saint-Joseph can deliver.
The Story Behind the Bottle
In the Northern Rhône Valley, where steep terraced vineyards cling to granite hillsides above the river, Domaine Aurélien Chatagnier is crafting some of the most exciting and expressive wines in Saint-Joseph. This is a region where winemaking is not just a profession – it's a calling that demands dedication, courage, and an intimate understanding of the land.
Aurélien Chatagnier tends his vines on these dramatic slopes with meticulous care, working entirely by hand on terrain so steep that machinery is impossible. The granite soils – ancient, mineral-rich, and perfectly drained – impart a distinctive character to the Syrah grown here: intensity balanced by finesse, power tempered by elegance.
'La Sybarite' is a tribute to the art of indulgence and pleasure – a wine crafted from 100% Syrah that captures the essence of this remarkable terroir. Hand-harvested at optimal ripeness, the grapes are vinified with minimal intervention, allowing the purity of the fruit and the minerality of the granite to shine through in every glass.
What You'll Discover
Pour yourself a glass and admire the deep, vibrant ruby colour with violet reflections – intense and captivating. The nose opens with an expressive bouquet of dark berries – blackcurrant, blackberry, and wild blueberry – layered with violet, black pepper, and hints of smoky spice that draw you in.
On the palate? Both intense and structured, with silky tannins that coat the mouth beautifully. Dark fruit flavours mingle with notes of cracked pepper, graphite, and a touch of cured meat, all supported by a backbone of granite minerality. The finish is long, pure, and utterly compelling – a mineral edge that lingers and invites another sip. This is Syrah at its most elegant and expressive.
Perfect Pairings
This wine is made for hearty, flavourful dishes. Think roasted red meats – a perfectly seared côte de boeuf, slow-roasted lamb shoulder with herbs, or grilled venison with juniper berries. It's equally magnificent with rich casseroles, game dishes like venison stew or wild boar ragù, or a classic coq au vin.
For cheese lovers? Reach for aged Comté, creamy Saint-Nectaire, or a rustic Tomme de Savoie. This wine's structure and intensity make it perfect for special occasions or cosy winter dinners by the fire.
Why We Love It
At The French Carousel, we seek out wines that tell authentic stories and showcase the character of their terroir – and La Sybarite does exactly that. This is a wine born from steep granite slopes, hand-harvested with care, and crafted by a passionate winemaker who understands that great wine begins in the vineyard.
Saint-Joseph is one of the Northern Rhône's most exciting appellations, offering the elegance and minerality of Syrah without the luxury price tag of its famous neighbours. Aurélien Chatagnier's work on these vertiginous slopes produces wines of remarkable purity and intensity – bottles that capture the essence of place and the dedication of a true artisan.
Details
- Region: Saint-Joseph, Northern Rhône Valley, France
- Appellation: AOC Saint-Joseph
- Grapes: 100% Syrah
- Vintage: 2021
- Style: Intense, structured, elegant red wine from granite terroir
- Vine Age: Hand-harvested from steep granite slopes
- Alcohol: 13.5% (approx.)
- Aging: Traditional vinification with minimal intervention
- Serving Temperature: 16–18°C
Santé! 🥂
