Aurelien Chatagnier 'Le Cret Louison' Syrah, IGP Collines Rhodaniennes, France

From one of the Rhône Valley’s most talented young vignerons comes a Syrah of stunning depth and finesse. The 2020 Aurélien Chatagnier Le Crêt Louison is a single-vineyard triumph grown at high density just above the borders of Saint-Joseph, where granite soils and steep slopes bring tension and grace to this organically farmed parcel. Never classified as AOC simply due to bureaucratic timing, this wine nevertheless rivals its most prestigious neighbors with complexity, energy, and soulful expression.

Product Details:

• Varietal: 100% Syrah
• Colour: Red
• Alcohol: 14%
• Farming: Organic (certified in 2019)
• Soil Type: Granite
• Vineyard Site: High-density planting above Saint-Joseph AOC; planted in 2007
• Harvest: Manual
• Fermentation: Wild yeast fermentation; 3 pump-overs per day
• Maceration: 3 weeks
• Malolactic Fermentation: In barrel
• Aging: 12 months in used barrels (1–5 years old)
• Winemaker & Owner: Aurélien Chatagnier

Sensory Description:

Le Crêt Louison delivers a beautifully layered nose of violets, crushed blackberries, pepper, and smoky earth. On the palate, it strikes a compelling balance between power and purity, with ripe black fruit wrapped in sleek, fine-grained tannins. The finish is long, lifted, and defined by a bright, mineral-driven freshness that underscores its volcanic origins and cool exposure. This is a Syrah of both structure and soul, built to impress and evolve.

Winemaker's Background:

Aurélien Chatagnier founded his domaine in 2002 with little more than passion and a hectare of rented vines. Inspired early on by his work with Domaine Jamet and later under the mentorship of François Villard, he built his estate vine by vine across the hillsides of Saint-Pierre-de-Boeuf. Today, he farms nearly 10 hectares by hand, committed to organic viticulture, ecological restoration, and authentic winemaking. His steep vineyards, granite soils, and old-school methods, including native yeast fermentation and minimal intervention, have earned him a growing reputation as one of the Northern Rhône’s finest young talents.

Serving Suggestions:

Decant for 30–60 minutes and serve at 60–65°F to allow its aromatics and structure to fully unfold. Ideal pairings include grilled lamb chops, duck breast with blackcurrant glaze, or roasted pork with wild mushrooms. It also pairs beautifully with aged cheeses and earthy vegetable dishes. While already drinking beautifully, it will reward cellaring over the next 7–10 years.

The 2020 Aurélien Chatagnier Le Crêt Louison is a true insider’s Syrah, refined, expressive, and made with precision from vine to bottle. With the elegance of Saint-Joseph and the soul of Côte-Rôtie, it offers extraordinary value and artistry in every glass.