Pierre Gaillard, IGP des Collines Rhondannienes 2019 'Asiaticus'

One of our favourite wines, anyone who enjoys Côte Rôtie but not the prices should certainly give Asiaticus a try. It's from the restored Roman vineyards near Vienne and all the love and care that goes into Pierre's most expensive CR is lavished on this wine. It shows: intense black fruit with a delightful lift from the Viognier (just a touch). Great depth and length.

Drinking Dates: 2022 to 2033

Cépagement: Syrah

Upbringing: Cold maceration before fermentation, alcoholic fermentation at 35°C. Maceration in barrels following fermentation at 30°C. The winemaking is carried out according to traditonal Côte-Rôtie techniques. Cap-punching, pumping over and release techniques help to thoroughly extract the strong aromas and the tannins associated with Côte-Rôtie wines. A small percentage of Viognier is added. 18 months in fine oak from Allier and Nevers, 50 % new with oxygen added every 4 months. Each parcel is vinified separately to obtain different wines expressing their own special character. These wines are then blended to obtain a better balance between the strength and the elegance of these terroirs.

ABV: 13%