Domaine François Villard – The Call of the Sirens 2023
A key figure in the northern Rhône, François Villard has established himself with wines of great aromatic precision and consistently well-balanced. A passionate self-taught winemaker, he crafts cuvées with a rich yet clear style, where ripeness never excludes freshness. The vines are carefully tended on predominantly granitic and schist soils, which bring tension and finesse to the syrahs. The Call of the Sirens fits into his range as an ideal entry point into the domaine’s universe. It is an intentionally accessible red, designed for the pleasure of fruit without giving up the Rhône signature.
The Call of the Sirens 2023 comes from syrah planted on the cool surrounding hills, in a regional appellation, where temperate nights preserve natural acidity. The 2023 vintage, bright but without excessive heat, offers homogeneous ripeness and particularly pure fruit. The harvest is manual, with a portion of whole clusters that bring relief, spice, and energy. The vinification favors gentle extractions to maintain a juicy profile without tannic harshness. Aging takes place in vats and in already seasoned wooden containers to respect the expression of the fruit. The result is a slender syrah, modern in spirit, and incredibly easy to drink.
On the nose, the wine opens with violet, raspberry, fresh blackberry, and a very fine black pepper. On the palate, the attack is soft and juicy, driven by crisp fruit that fills the mouth without heaviness. The tannins are fine, slightly chalky, supporting a mid-palate that blends small black fruits, licorice, and a subtle smoky touch. The finish is fresh, spicy, with a lovely return of red berries and dry herbs inviting you to come back for more. At the table, The Call of the Sirens 2023 pairs perfectly with roasted poultry, grilled meats, charcuterie boards, bistro-style cuisine, or vegetarian dishes centered on roasted vegetables and mushrooms. Served slightly chilled, it becomes a highly enjoyable red for both the table and aperitif dining.
Grape varieties: 100% Syrah
