Château Fonsalette Côtes du Rhône Syrah 2013 is the principal red of Château Fonsalette, the Reynaud family's Côtes du Rhône estate in the southern Rhône. The 2013 is drawn from old-vine Syrah and aged in old foudres, following the same low-intervention philosophy as the family's Château Rayas.
About This Wine
The red is sourced from very old Syrah and Grenache vines on sandy soils near the château in the Côtes du Rhône appellation (not the higher Côtes du Rhône Villages tier). The wine is traditionally aged in old foudres without new oak, which keeps the focus on perfume and lifted Syrah fruit rather than oak-derived structure. The 2013 vintage was a cooler, later year in the southern Rhône.
Tasting Profile
- Nose: Black raspberry, kirsch, smoked herbs and white pepper.
- Palate: Medium-bodied and silky, with aromatic lift and fine tannin.
- Finish: Long, perfumed and savoury.
Serving & Food
Decant briefly and serve at 15 to 16 degrees in standard Burgundy glasses. Pair with a roast lamb shoulder, a duck breast or a herbed vegetable stew.
How to Enjoy
Pour early in the meal so the perfume opens up before the main course.
Product Details
Producer: Château Fonsalette
Appellation: Côtes du Rhône AOC
Region: Southern Rhône, France
Vintage: 2013
Grape: Predominantly Syrah with Grenache
Oak: Aged in old foudres
Volume: 750mL
About the Winery
Château Fonsalette is owned and run by the Reynaud family of Château Rayas in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, who apply the same late-harvest, whole-cluster, low-intervention philosophy to their Côtes du Rhône holdings. Fonsalette reds are widely respected as a reference for the appellation, with reds raised without new oak to keep the focus on perfume and lifted Syrah fruit.