# Crozes-Hermitage Rouge (2022)

- **Producer:** Domaine Etienne Pochon
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Syrah
- **Region:** Rhône, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €28
- **Vegan:** No
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–16 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, black cherry, violet, blackberry, black olive, white pepper, spice

## About this wine

The Etienne Pochon Crozes-Hermitage Rouge 2022 is a 100% Syrah from the Northern Rhône Valley. This organic wine is produced by Domaine Etienne Pochon, a family estate with a long history dating back to the late 18th century. The estate is situated in the medieval cellars of Château de Curson. The vineyards are planted on plains and hillsides with soils of Quaternary gravel, formed from ancient alluvium of the Rhône River. The 2022 vintage experienced dry conditions, leading to early harvests and concentrated fruit.

## Interesting facts

- Certified organic since 2014.
- Vines average 20 years old.
- Estate cellars are in a medieval château.
- Early harvest due to dry conditions in 2022.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium+ body and gentle tannins complement the richness of proteins like lamb and duck. The peppery notes in the wine can echo or contrast with herbs and spices in dishes, while its fruit character can harmonize with fruit-based sauces.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process begins with manual harvesting of the Syrah grapes, often in small batches. The grapes are then de-stemmed and crushed, followed by a period of maceration before fermentation. Fermentation occurs in stainless steel tanks using selected yeasts at controlled temperatures. Following fermentation, the wine undergoes aging for 6 months in used oak barrels (2 to 6 years old). The estate's approach involves vinifying plot by plot to highlight the distinctiveness of each terroir.