Villa Blanche Syrah

Founded in 1995, Calmel & Joseph is a maison de negoce specializing in Languedoc-Roussillon wines from private wineries from across the region. Over the years, they have built close personal relationships with a large number of growers from all appellations. Convinced of the extraordinary potential of this region, oenologist, Laurent Calmel, and Jerome Joseph work together on the vinification, blending and ageing of wines with the common purpose of demonstrating the little known yet unique quality of these Mediterranean terroirs. As well as their desire to produce high quality wines consistent with their terroirs, they are committed to making wines which reflect their convictions and experience.

Syrah,

Clay and limestone. The climate is typically Mediterranean, warm and sunny with low rainfall. Winters are mild, summers are hot and usual dry conditions allow the grapes to ripen fully. Vines are ploughed. They do not use weed killer. Pruning is short to regulate the vine's growth and its yields.

Grapes are 50% crushed and fully de-stemmed. Cold maceration during 7 days at 4°C then traditional vinification at 28°C. The vatting period lasts 3 weeks. The wine is aged for 6 months, 70% in concrete tanks and 30% in cask.

A beautiful clear, red-purple colour. The nose is full and balanced with superb aromatic power with, as so often, wild strawberry, blackberry, fresh fig, laurel, and white pepper, followed by nutty notes of walnut and hazelnut before culminating in notes of cacao and vanilla. In the mouth the tannins are well integrated, supple, and smooth. The sensation is one of silky creaminess with notes of blackcurrant, coconut, and mocha finishing on redcurrant and vanilla pod. A wine that delights us every year with its supremely elegant expression of Languedoc Syrah. Pleasure guaranteed!

Great with anything from a hearty steak to mushroom and lentil dishes.