Syrah Les Serpentines Gerald Besse 2010

Valais is the largest quality wine producing region of a country little known for its wine - Switzerland.  Located in the southwest of the country, the Valais can be considered to be the most northern wine-producing area of the Rhône region.

Domaine Gerald Besse is located in the Valais and was founded in 1984, going from a few hectares in 1979 to 20 hectares today. The area is protected by the Alps, which allows vineyards to be planted at high-altitude, which would not normally be sustainable.  Its  vineyards grow on steep slopes with soils of glacial alluvium composition. The Syrah has adapted very well to this terroir, showing maturity and retaining good acidity.

Appearance

Bright cherry red of medium intensity.

Nose

Nice, elegant sensation of fruit, of fresh, dark berries, with menthol and terroir notes.

Palate

Nice and meaty on entry.  Fine stucture, straighter than it is wide, with an original aromatic personality against a mineral backdrop.   Pleasant, average length finish.

Comment

With this wine, the domaine is aiming at a fully ripe, yet balanced Syrah.  They achieve this with low-yield crops, late picking of physiologically ripe grapes, ageing in mainly used barrels, for not too long.

This 2011 Syrah Les Serpentines shows itself to be mature yet approachable and fresh, it has grace and intensity, and is full of delicious fruit and floral aromas.  We feel it is ready to drink now but will remain at its best for a few more years.

Recommended with charcoal-grilled kid cutlets with potato soufflé.

Glass by RIEDEL,  VINUM collection, CHIANTI/RIESLING model.