Domaine François Villard

2022 Collines Rhodaniennes IGP L’Appel des Sereines

This is a newer cuvée for François and one that he is always trying to grow, ensuring there is a solid glass pour option for people who are new to his wines. The name L’Appel des Sereines is a triple-entendre, a play on the original Côte-Rôtie Syrah name for the old-school local phenotype, Serine, plus the French word for serenity / calm / peacefulness, plus the French term Sirènes referring to mermaids or the Sirens of Greek myth, calling to sailors as they pass—in this case the sailors on the Rhône called to the beauty of the vineyards and sweet fruit of Syrah. This wine comes from his vineyards in Ardoix, Chavanay, St-Michel-sur-Rhône & Vérin—parts of the Ardoix plantings being located just outside the western boundary of Saint-Joseph AOC. Vines are planted to a less dense (and thereby higher-yielding) 5,000 to the hectare, giving yields of 80hl/ha of fresh and easy drinking fruit, on various kinds of decomposed granites, with an average vine age of 15 years old. Fermented with 30% whole clusters in open top stainless steel, then aged 15 months in 60% frustoconical oak vats and 40% in stainless. 12.5% ABV. 172,000 bottles made. Cellaring potential: 10 years (while also designed for instant enjoyment and all bistro needs).