Maison Les Alexandrins Cote-Rotie

Maison Les Alexandrins is the newly renamed collaboration between Nicolas Jaboulet, formerly of the eponymous winery in Tain, winemaker Guillaume Sorrel and viticulturalist Alexandre Caso. Each person brings their expertise to this micro-négociant, an extension of Domaine Les Alexandrins, established in 2015. The aim of Maison Les Alexandrins remains the same: to buy parcels of fruit from some of the top growers in each appellation in the Northern Rhône. Following the construction of a new winery in Tain-l'Hermitage in 2019, Maison and Domaine Les Alexandrins is now a permanent fixture in the Northern Rhône.

Vineyards

The appellation of Côte Rôtie is located on the hills of the right bank of the Rhône river. The vineyards are located at an altitude ranging between 180 and 325 metres above sea level, with the gradient measuring 60%. The main soil is granite covered in places by schist but also sand and calcareous soils. The wine is made from grapes primarily sourced from the southern part of the appellation; Côte Blonde and Côteau de Tupin.

Vintage

The 2017 vintage began with a mild winter, followed by heavy rain during the flowering period, which increased disease pressure and led to a reduction in yields. In mid-June, the temperatures increased and a warm and dry summer ensued, allowing the grapes to ripen. Harvest began at the end of August. The 2017 vintage has produced concentrated and generous wines, which will benefit from time in bottle.

Vinification

98% Syrah 2% Viognier

The grapes went through a period of cold maceration to extract the delicate aromatics from the fruit. Co-fermentation of the Syrah and Viognier grapes lasted for about 20 days with pumping-over for the first few days followed by punching-down. The wine was aged in one year old oak barrels for 15 months.

Tasting Notes

The nose boasts intense aromas of blackberries, blackcurrant, black olive and sweet spice. On the palate, the concentrated flavours are well balanced with racy acidity and well-structured tannins. Notes of violet and liquorice linger on the finish.