# Crozes-Hermitage Rouge (2024)

- **Producer:** Domaine Dard et Ribo
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Syrah
- **Region:** Rhône, France
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Average price:** €50
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 14–16 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blackberry, blackcurrant, cherry, violet, black pepper, smoke, leather, mushroom

## About this wine

Domaine Dard et Ribo was established in 1984 by René-Jean Dard and François Ribo in Tain-l'Hermitage. Early pioneers of the French natural wine movement, they challenged the traditionally heavily extracted, high-tannin Northern Rhône style by focusing on light, floral, and highly drinkable Syrah. Sourced from organic plots in Larnage and Mercurol, their Crozes-Hermitage Rouge reflects red clay, gravel, and granitic soils.

## Interesting facts

- Pioneers of the French natural wine movement alongside figures like Marcel Lapierre since 1984.
- They exclusively use synthetic Nomacorc stoppers since 2003 to prevent cork taint without adding sulfur.
- Their steep vineyard plots are farmed by hand, horse, and cable-pulley systems.

## Food pairing

Syrah's signature black pepper and floral berry aromas complement gamey meats like lamb and duck, while its vibrant acidity cuts through rich charcuterie and enhances earthy mushroom dishes without harsh tannins.

## Wine making process

Viticulture is organic and biodynamic without synthetic chemicals. Grapes are mostly de-stemmed (90%) with 10% whole clusters, undergoing spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts and a gentle 20-day maceration without heavy extraction. The wine ages for 12 months in neutral 500-liter oak demi-muids and is bottled unfined, unfiltered, and without added sulfites.