Domaine Faury Vin de Pays des Collines Rhodaniennes 2010

On these terraced slopes, the Faurys’ vines take full advantage of the southern and southeastern sun exposure, benefitting from optimum ripening. A combination of the predominately granitic soil, partial de-stemming (in about 70% of the grapes), soft crushing of the grapes with a pneumatic press, and temperature controlled fermentation offer a liveliness and freshness that one does not often find in wines from the northern Rhône. There’s a real attention to detail here, and nothing is done in haste.

Which is why this bottle of Vin de Pays des Collines Rhodaniennes is so awesome. It's all that fantastic northern Rhone Syrah, but that beautiful Burgundy weight. Aged for 6 months in 600-liter demi-muids the wine has beautiful lush cherry, blackberry and earth notes. The mid-palate is textured, full and giving with just the right balance of lush fruit with minerality. The finish is long, leathery and delicious. It's great for a warm day and satisfying for a cool evening.

Domaine Faury Syrah  $22/bottle

meet the winemaker

Lionel Faury
Along the steep, narrow valley that traces the northern Rhône, the appellations of Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu and Saint-Joseph take their place among the great wines of France, and Domaine Faury is one of the region’s most artisanal producers. When Philippe Faury took over the domaine in 1979, the family was selling wine, peaches and cherries, and the bulk of their clientele was local. Over the years, Philippe expanded their holdings to over eleven hectares, and expanded sales to an international client base. In addition, he has shared his savoir faire with his son, Lionel. Since 2006, Lionel has taken over the reins at Domaine Faury, though father and son still work side by side