E. Guigal Hermitage 2019

This is a northern Rhône Syrah from the Crozes-Hermitage area, made by Domaine E. Guigal, a family firm founded in 1946 and now spanning three generations across the northern and southern Rhône. Syrah is the sole red grape of the northern Rhône, grown here on the granite and stony soils of the Hermitage hill and its surrounds, which drain freely and reflect heat to ripen the fruit while the cooler northern climate preserves acidity and the variety's signature pepper. The grapes are fermented on their skins to draw out the deep colour and firm tannin Syrah is known for, then the wine is aged a long forty months in French oak, an extended period during which slow oxygen exchange knits the tannins together and adds smoke, spice and a subtle vanilla frame. It is deep and well structured, the nose offering red berries and plum with spicy black pepper, smoke and delicate oak, the palate full and savoury with firm tannins and a long, peppery finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees and decant ahead. It suits roast and grilled red meats and game.