Clairmont Classique Crozes-Hermitage 2018 (Rhône) - Wine Review

If you're a Syrah wine lover like me, tonight's wine review is this lovely Crozes-Hermitage from Rhône that landed in LCBO VINTAGES on September 5th - with plenty still available for purchase across Ontario.

Clairmont is a northern Rhône mini co-operative that was formed in 1972 by three families with an ambition to work together and share resources. With a team spirit, Clairmont's strength stems from this alliance of skills, shared values, and relationships. Although Clairmont is still a small company today, they are the second largest producer of Crozes-Hermitage. Clairmont is situated in the town of Beaumont-Monteux and is a key stakeholder in Crozes-Hermitage, owning 115 hectares in the heart of the appellation. The younger generation has taken over the responsibilities, working closely and collaboratively with their group of winegrowers.

It is interesting to know that Clairmont is one of the only producers in the world where the winegrowers play an active role in the winemaking process. Each harvest, the winegrowers bring the grapes to the cellar and help plan the different wines that will be produced. Good wines come from good grapes, and plot selection plays an important role in determining which which grapes go into each cuvée - with everyone playing a role in deciding which wines will be conceived. The end goal is to produce wines of high quality that are desired by everyone in the company.

This particular Crozes-Hermitage is a favourite of one of their winemakers - Florent Martinelli. It is a blend of several plots of Syrah grapes planted on two very specific terroirs - ancient alluvial terraces off the Isère and the Rhône rivers comprised of deep pebbly soils, and south/southwest-facing slopes on high terraces featuring smooth, rounded pebbles.

Tasting Note:

CLAIRMONT CLASSIQUE CROZES-HERMITAGE 2018 - AC, Rhône, France (#537811) (XD) - $24.95
100% Syrah matured solely in vats, the nose is open and very ripe with blackberry, violet, savoury, and crushed rock aromas. It is medium+ bodied on the lively palate with ripe blackberry, wild berry, black pepper spice, and savoury meaty flavours, along with touches of stony mineral. Acids are fresh and lively, while tannins are smooth and finely grained with a pleasant chalky grip developing with each sip. Long, satisfying finish has stony and black pepper notes. Lovely! Score: 90 pts

Other wines from Clairmont can be ordered via their Agent - Eurovintage Wines & Spirits.