This month the French Winophiles are exploring the Northern Rhône Valley.

“The Northern Rhône Valley is dwarfed by its neighbor to the south in terms of sheer size of production. Defined growing areas are typically much smaller in the north, and a substantial number of the region’s better vineyards are planted on steep, terraced granite hillsides rising
sharply from the river valley below…the Northern Rhône Valley experiences a more continental climate marked by drastic seasonal changes and a shorter growing season. Nonetheless, it still bears a warmer climate than Bordeaux or Burgundy, and the region’s winegrowers can successfully cultivate the indigenous Syrah grape. All Northern Rhône reds are produced from Syrah; however, some appellations allow a small percentage of white grapes to be included in the cuvée.” (Source)

If you’re looking for value in Northern Rhône, I recommend Crozes-Hermitage.

It is much larger than the more prestigious “Hermitage” appellation, and much more prolific. Annual production ranges between 6-7 million bottles which is more than the other seven northern Rhone appellations combined!

Disclosure: I received this wine as a media sample. I received no compensation for this post, and all opinions presented are my own.

In My Glass

“La Matinière” belongs to Ferraton’s “Tradition” collection of négociant wines, each a textbook example of its appellation. “Tradition” references the traditional approach in the Rhône of blending from various vineyards. In this case the 100% Syrah fruit comes from both estate and neighboring vineyards. After vinification, the wine was aged 14 months in concrete vats.

This enticing wine pours an opaque purple color with inviting black fruit, roast meat, cracked pepper, olive tapenade aromas. On the palate it’s medium-bodied and fresh with a supple texture and well integrated gauzy tannins. It shows black cherry, black currant, and blackberry flavors accented with very appealing savory notes and a very satisfying mineral laced finish. 100% Syrah. 13% abv|SRP – $26 Nice QPR! 89pts.

It was wonderful paired with a White Bean Gratin with Tomatoes and Sausage (in case you’re wondering what’s lurking in the background in the photo below)!

About Ferraton Père & Fils

Ferraton Pere & Fils was founded by Jean Orëns Ferraton, himself a son of a vigneron, in 1946. His son Michel inherited his passion for wine, and he brought a new dimension to the family enterprise. Michel Chapoutier, a close friend of the family, brought his know-how in 1998. Their vineyards are certified organic and they have embraced biodynamics. The winery owns vineyards in Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage and Saint-Joseph. As negociants they source fruit from Côte -Rôtie, Condrieu, Cornas, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Côtes du Rhone Villages and Tavel.

Check out what my fellow French #Winophiles have discovered during their virtual visit to Northern Rhône.

• Cindy from Grape Experience writes Strength and Power Meet Balance and Elegance in Syrah from the Northern Rhone.
• Wendy from A Day In The Life On The Farm presents To Syrah with Love.
• Lauren from Swirling Dervish explores Old World Syrah from the Northern Rhone: 2016 Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage.
• Jeff from Food Wine Click offers A View of Northern Rhone’s Saint Joseph through Three Wines.
• Linda from My Full Wine Glass posts Crozes-Hermitage: A Gateway to Northern Rhône Wine.
• Jill from L’Ocassion asks What’s the Difference Between France’s Northern Rhône and Southern Rhône Valleys?
• Gwendolyn from ;Wine Predator writes In These Times, Drink from Deep in The Cellar: Two from Northern Rhone’s St Joseph’s.
• Robin from Crushed Grape Chronicles is Finding Connections in the Northern Rhône.
• Susannah from Avvinare writes about Virtually Visiting Crozes-Hermitage Through Chapoutier’s Wine.
• Camilla from Culinary Adventures With Camilla pairs Chicken Chasseur + Guigal Crozes-Hermitage 2016.
• Nicole at Somm’s Table serves A Simple Spring Lamb Feast with Maison Nicolas Perrin Crozes-Hermitage.
• Jane from Always Ravenous pours A Taste of Hermitage Marsanne.
• Lynn from Savor The Harvest goes Exploring Treasures of the Northern Rhone.
• Terri from Our Good Life sings Hey Syrah, Syrah, Whatever Will Be, Will Be.
• Our host, Rupal on Syrah Queen is Exploring Côte-Rôtie –Syrahs With A Twist.

That’s all for the French Winophiles’ April 2020 event. We’ll be back next month with a focus on Cru Beaujolais with Cindy of Grape Experiences leading the discussion. Stay tuned.

If you’re up early enough, please join the #Winophiles live on Twitter at 8a PT/11a ET this morning for a chat about all things Northern Rhône. Just follow the #winophiles hashtag. Hope to see you then!

________________________________________________________________________

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Vivino and for all things wine.  As a wino with latent foodie tendencies, you’ll also find plenty of food and wine pairings, and wine related travel stuff!  Become a fan and join ENOFYLZ Wine Blog on Facebook. Cheers!

Copyright Notice: This entire site is Copyrighted 2010-2020. All Rights Reserved. No unauthorized copying of any section of this site is permitted. If you wish to use any part of this site, contact me. For information on Copyright Law, see the official U.S. Copyright Office home page.