La Champine” Syrah VDF is sourced from vineyards in Ampuis, Cote Rotie, at high and low elevations. Terrior consists of micaschiste and granite soils on hillsides.
After harvest, the grapes are destemmed and macerate for four weeks.
Production yields on average 3,500 cs/year. Gerin uses native yeasts for all their wines.AGEING
Ageing takes place 60% in barrels and 40% in stainless steel tanks over 12 months.
TASTING NOTES
Notes of red fruits, fresh, vibrant, concentrated supple tannins with a smooth, round finish. Pairs well with red meats and cheeses.
Syrah, La Champine, 2020
BACKGROUND
Located in the heart of the Côte-Rôtie vineyards near the village of Ampuis, Domaine Jean-Michel Gerin was created in 1983 with vines inherited from his father and grandfather and they began to bottle and sell under the Jean-Michel Gerin brand.
In 1988 Gerin made his first purchase of vines in Les Grandes Places and added to his holdings in 1989, with the purchase of land on La Landonne. Today, the estate covers nearly 30 acres in the Côte-Rôtie appellation where Jean has now been joined by his two sons, Michael and Alexis.WINEMAKING & VINTAGE NOTES
Champin Le Seigneur is affectionately named after the farmer from whom Jean Michel purchased the vineyard plot. It is a blend of 11 lieux dits covering nine ha: Lezardes, Cognet, Gerine, Bourrier, Fourvier, La Brosse, Cote Bodin, La Taquiere, Fongeant, Verenay and Marsanne.
Vines are an average of 25-50 years old. Grown in red schist and loess soils, both of which allow root penetration as the rock fractures and erodes. The grapes are hand-harvested and undergo alcoholic fermentation at a cool temperature of 64°F in stainless steel vats. Malolactic fermentation is inhibited to preserve the wine’s acidity and freshness.
The Syrah and Viognier are co-planted and co-fermented by law. Up to 20% Viognier is permitted in the appellation, however most producers use 2-3% at most.
Production yields on average 3,500 cs/yearAGEING
Aged 22 months in barrique (30% new oak).
