Wine Specs
Vintage
2019
Varietal
70% Syrah, 30% Mourvèdre
Appellation
AOP Saint Chinian
Alcohol %
14.5
Borie la Vitarèle
2019 Les Crès
In Stock
Syrah and Mourvèdre blend beautifully together to create an intense, decadent nose of black pepper and licorice mingled with cassis and blueberry in this fine organic and biodynamic red wine. In the mouth, rich complexity of baked fruits, tobacco and cedar flows into a long and smooth unforgettable finish. Les Crès has been praised by well-known British wine critic Andrew Jefford.
Drink this with a rich red wine beef stew or slow cooked Osso Bucco with prunes, oranges and leeks.
Awards: 92 points in Decanter 2020
Wine Description
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Wine Specs
Vintage
2019
Varietal
70% Syrah, 30% Mourvèdre
Appellation
AOP Saint Chinian
Alcohol %
14.5
Wine Profile
Vineyard Notes
Les crès is the Occitan name for the soil-type of these vineyards — large, round pebbles similar to those found in Châteauneuf-du-Pape in the Rhône valley. Clay, limestone and ancient alluvial soils deposited by the nearby Orb River complete the composition. Syrah loves this soil!
The vines grow at altitudes comparatively low for Saint-Chinian and receive south-southeast exposure. The pebbly soil allows the roots to extend deep into the ground. There is no weeding of the vines and no pesticides are used. Both subsoiling and surface work take place and a small amount of compost is applied. These methods prevent erosion and yield a clean, organic soil. The grapes are hand-harvested.
Production Notes
Vinification takes place for 18 months in 500 liter oak barrels. The barrels must be three to five years old to prevent the oak from overpowering the gorgeous fruit. The large barrel promotes microoxygenation which matures and softens the wine beautifully. This domaine values soft, minimalist vinifications.
Winemaker Notes
Borie La Vitarele was founded in 1990 by Jean-François and Cathy Izarn and is comprised of 18 hectares of vines in the AOP Saint-Chinian. They have produced organically and biodynamically since 1998, focusing on protecting the biodiversity of the area in a global living approach. The couple have made Borie la Vitarèle a real place of creation, stripped of the superfluous and frills, of which the wines are the perfect reflection. Since the accidental death of Jean François in April 2014, Cathy and her daughter Camille have managed the estate with four hands, supported by a trusted team. Since 2017, it is Camille who vinifies the wines of Borie la Vitarèle.
Food Pairing Notes
Drink this with a rich red wine beef stew or slow cooked Osso Buco with prunes, oranges and leeks.
Other Notes
Ageability: Drink slightly chilled now or keep through 2028.