Franck Balthazar - Côtes du Rhône 2024
In Cornas, Franck Balthazar perpetuates an artisanal aesthetic inherited from his grandfather Casimir. Vines are worked by hand, ripe at just the right time, and the winemaking is restrained, resulting in straightforward, flavorful reds. The house style seeks the granite expression of the northern Rhône, with gentle extractions and discreet aging.
Côtes du Rhône 2024 blends plots located on the edge of the communal area and on stony soils typical of the valley. A balanced vintage emphasizing crisp fruit. Hand-harvested, partial destemming depending on the batch, maceration by infusion with indigenous yeasts. Aged in vats and old containers to polish the texture without marking the wine. Bottling preserves freshness, controlled sulfur.
The nose opens with violet and peony, raspberry, blackberry, and a hint of black pepper. The palate is juicy and slender, carried by crisp red fruit and a framework of cold spices. The tannins are fine, chalky grain, the freshness gives length. Clean and digestible finish, on morello cherry, graphite, and a touch of licorice.
At the table, serve this Côtes du Rhône with grilled pork chops, herb-roasted poultry, preserved vegetables, bull stew, or an anchovy pizza. Ideal temperature: 15 to 16°C in a tulip glass. Open 30 to 45 minutes before serving or decant briefly to unfold the bouquet. Immediate enjoyment and ageing for five to seven years, depending on the cellar.
Grape varieties: 60% Syrah and 40% Grenache
