Experience the charm of the **Domaine de Saint Siffrein Côtes du Rhône Villages**, a certified organic red wine hailing from the renowned Southern Rhône Valley in France. Crafted from a blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah, this wine delights with its deep ruby hue and expressive nose of sweet spices and stewed red fruits. On the palate, it offers a harmonious balance of silky tannins, supple texture, and a fruity, well-rounded finish. Harvested from 50-year-old vines rooted in sandy-clay soils with signature Rhône stones, it is aged for 12 months to develop complexity and purity. Perfect for pairing with diverse cuisines, this elegant vintage embodies the rich traditions and sustainable practices of its historic vineyard while offering a versatile, gourmet wine-drinking experience.
Process & Profile
The Siffrein Côtes du Rhône Villages is a harmonious blend made from 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah. The grapes are cultivated on 50-year-old vines in organic vineyards, located in clavey-sandy soils with large stones that retain heat, aiding grape maturity. Hand-harvested grapes are meticulously destemmed, gently crushed, and fermented in Inox vats to preserve natural flavors. The wine is aged for 12 months in vats and bottles, resulting in a well-balanced, expressive wine with 14% alcohol content.
Tasting Notes
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Appearance: Intense ruby red hue, reflecting its depth and richness.
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Aroma: An expressive nose of sweet spices, stewed red fruits, and hints of Provencal herbs and cracked black pepper.
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Palate: Silky and round with fine tannins, it offers a long, complex finish marked by notes of ripe black cherry, currant, and chalky earth tones.
What Makes It Special
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Organic Heritage: Certified organic farming practiced for over 35 years ensures a sustainable and pure winemaking process.
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Generational Tradition: Dating back to 1880, the winemaking legacy of Domaine de Saint Siffrein combines ancestral techniques with modern innovations.
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Terroir-Driven Craftsmanship: The unique Mediterranean climate and sun-kissed soils of Southern Rhône provide an ideal environment for Grenache and Syrah to thrive, resulting in a wine with remarkable body, texture, and purity.
How to Enjoy
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Pairings: This versatile wine complements a wide range of cuisines, including roasted meats, hearty stews, charcuterie, and aged cheeses.
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Serving Temperature: Best served slightly chilled at 16–18°C (60–65°F) to enhance its fruity and spicy notes.
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Ageing Potential: Enjoy now for its youthful vibrancy or cellar it for up to 5 years to experience its evolving complexity.
Siffrein Côtes du Rhône Villages is not just a wine; it's an invitation to savor tradition, terroir, and timeless craftsmanship. Whether paired with a refined meal or enjoyed on its own, this wine promises a rich and memorable tasting experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Siffrein Côtes du Rhône Villages?
Siffrein Côtes du Rhône Villages is a high-quality French wine from the southern Rhône region. Part of the Côtes du Rhône Villages appellation, it adheres to stricter production standards than the broader Côtes du Rhône designation, offering more refined flavors and structure.
What types of wine are produced in the Côtes du Rhône Villages appellation?
The appellation produces red, white, and rosé wines. Red wines dominate, comprising over 95% of production, with Grenache noir as the primary grape variety, complemented by Syrah and Mourvèdre. White wines are blended using varieties such as Grenache blanc, Marsanne, and Viognier.
What are the flavor characteristics of Siffrein Côtes du Rhône Villages?
Red wines from the Côtes du Rhône Villages are known for dark fruit flavors like blackberry and plum, complemented by spicy and earthy undertones. Grenache contributes ripe red fruit notes, while Syrah and Mourvèdre add structure, spice, and complexity.
What foods pair well with Siffrein Côtes du Rhône Villages?
This wine pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, including roasted meats, stews like lamb navarin, game, grilled vegetables, and hard cheeses. Its bold flavors complement hearty and savory meals.
How does Côtes du Rhône Villages differ from generic Côtes du Rhône wines?
Côtes du Rhône Villages wines are produced under stricter regulations, ensuring higher quality. These wines often have more complexity, depth, and terroir expression compared to the generic Côtes du Rhône AOC wines.
What grapes are used in crafting Siffrein Côtes du Rhône Villages?
The red wines are primarily composed of Grenache noir, which must make up at least 50% of the blend, with Syrah and Mourvèdre accounting for at least 20%. Other authorized varieties, such as Carignan and Cinsault, may also be included in smaller proportions.
What is the alcohol content of wines from the Côtes du Rhône Villages?
The minimum alcohol content for wines in this appellation is 12%, ensuring a robust and flavorful profile.
What makes the terroir of the Côtes du Rhône Villages special?
The region benefits from a Mediterranean climate influenced by the Mistral wind, which reduces humidity and protects the vines. The soils are diverse, ranging from chalky clay to rocky and sandy terrains, enhancing the character and diversity of the wines.
Is Siffrein Côtes du Rhône Villages suitable for aging?
Yes, Siffrein Côtes du Rhône Villages often improves with a few years of aging, developing more intricate flavors and a smoother texture. For best results, it is recommended to consume within five to ten years, depending on the vintage.
Are Côtes du Rhône Villages wines a good value?
Côtes du Rhône Villages wines, including Siffrein, are known for offering excellent quality at an affordable price, making them an exceptional choice for wine enthusiasts seeking both refinement and value.