François Villard : Certitude 2023

Characteristics and tasting notes of Crozes-Hermitage "Certitude" 2023 by François Villard

Tasting

Colour
The colour reveals a moderate ruby to garnet hue.

Nose
Beautifully intense, the nose reveals aromas of crisp black fruits such as blackcurrant and blackberry. It is enriched with delicate floral touches reminiscent of violet, underscored by soft spicy notes of black pepper.

Palate
The attack is smooth and approachable, revealing fine, silky and refined tannins. The palate offers a generous expression of red fruits blended with the spices perceived on the nose, all supported by a lovely acid tension. The finish stands out for its persistent freshness and a subtle smoky touch.

Food and wine pairing

This red wine pairs wonderfully with venison terrine, traditional coq au vin or a regional cheese such as Saint-Félicien. It will also pair very well with grilled or roasted red meats, as well as Mediterranean dishes with fresh herbs.

Service and storage

Approachable from its youth, the Crozes-Hermitage "Certitude" 2023 can be enjoyed now, but it also possesses a remarkable ageing potential, allowing it to evolve favourably until around 2038.

The authentic and balanced expression of a Crozes-Hermitage by François Villard

The estate

Founded in 1989 by François Villard, a former chef turned self-taught winemaker, the estate is located in Saint-Michel-sur-Rhône, at the heart of the Northern Rhône Valley. Starting with modest plantations, the estate has grown to now span around sixty hectares, all while maintaining rigorous quality standards. Still led by its founder and current owner, François Villard, the estate stands out for its environmentally conscious approach and its commitment to producing authentic wines that faithfully reflect the richness of their terroirs.

The vineyard

The grapes destined for this Crozes-Hermitage cuvée come from carefully selected plots in the communes of Chanos-Curson, Beaumont-Monteux and Mercurol. With an average age of around fifteen years, the vines thrive under a temperate continental climate. The terroir is made up of a mosaic of rolled pebbles, which retain the sun's heat, combined with well-draining siliceous sands and clay, lending the whole a mineral signature of granitic influence.

Winemaking and ageing

The winemaking of the Crozes-Hermitage "Certitude" 2023 favours a pure expression of the terroir. Ageing takes place over a total of sixteen months. The first twelve months take place in a combination of French oak barrels and truncated-cone vats, allowing for subtle aromatic development without overly marking the wine. The wine is then transferred to stainless steel tanks for the final four months, a crucial step in preserving the freshness of the fruit and harmonising the blend before bottling.

Grape variety

This wine is made from 100% Syrah.