2018 La Vrille et le Papillon 'Tous Cousins' Syrah

Region: Ardeche < France

Grapes: Syrah

Vineyard/Cellar Stats: Biodynamic farming, argilo-calcareous soils with lots of pebbley rocks; destemmed and fermented for 6 days then strained off and matured in stainless steel vat, on fine lees, for 7 months; bottled unfined/unfiltered with no added So2; zero-zero; 12% ABV

Winemaker: Meryl and Géraldine Crozier

The Ardeche region is part of northern Rhone, and mostly known for the famous AOC wines of Cornas and St. Joseph.  Here Meryl and Géraldine are making tiny lots of not famous but super delicious and über natural wines - native yeast only, no additives, no enzymes, no SO2 before or during fermentation, no fining, no filtration. 

This is savory, peppery, easy-drinking Syrah with structure, plush tannins and bright, lively fruit..  Let it breathe for a sec then watch how it evolves, with wet earth, meaty notes, black pepper, and tart cherry/red fruit doing somersaults in your mouth.  This is Syrah as it is meant to be - pure juice that is easy and drinkable with a touch of rusticity to remind you that this is natty, zero-zero Syrah. Excellent paired with grilled meats or hard cheeses, or on its own while (virtually) hanging out with good friends. A slight chill here is nice.