Etienne Bécheras "Le Prieuré d'Arras" Crozes-Hermitage Rouge '24

Etienne Becheras’s domaine is extends for 12 hectares, 6 of which are used for producing wine, principally within the confines of the village of Arras which borders and overlooks the Rhone River on the western side. The five hectares situated on the flat lands along the Rhone are planted to cherry and apricot trees. The remainder of the property is dedicated to forest where the ash and acacia trees are used as building and heating materials and offer the extra advantage of presenting ideal conditions for the growth of edible mushrooms and truffles.

Of the 6 hectares Becheras farms, only 1 is located within Croze-Hermitage on prized, south-southwest-facing hillside parcels located in the village of Mercurol. The vineyards are composed of old vines ranging from 10 to 65 years of age, with deep roots snaking through thin, fast-draining limestone and gravelly topsoil. Because these vines are planted on steep altitude terraces supported by hand-constructed stone walls, all vineyard management as well as harvesting is done by hand under strict organic farming standards.

The grapes are fully destemmed fruit are fermented for three-to-four-weeks using only indigenous yeasts.  It is aged in large neutral oak vessels and bottled without fining or filtration.  

It bristles with fresh acidity at the outset, with notes of black currant intertwined with lavender, crushed purple flowers backed by  cracked black peppercorn, black olives, and classic Northern Rhône cured meats.  Medium bodied on the palate it is both lush and bright showing a distinctly brambly nature with layers of black fruit and dried herb accents.  This is absolutely classic Croze-Hermitage, balancing beautiful dark florals with spice, meatiness and dark fruits. As the nights get colder, drink this with Duck Breast in Blueberry Sauce or Steak au Poivre.