New Producer! Domaine Christelle Betton, Crozes-Hermitage

Nobody warned us that tasting Christelle Betton’s gorgeous Syrah wines were like Alice finding her way down the rabbit hole. Then again, every adventure in wine should begin with bottles that invitingly say, “DRINK ME.” Who could refuse?

This is the spirit of ‘Espiegle,’ our newest discovery from the northern Rhône Valley and the “mischievous” child of Christelle Betton, a talented winemaker who tends her vines just downslope from the noble hill of Hermitage.

‘Espiègle’ indeed means mischievous in French. And who doesn’t want a little levity, a healthy dose of fun, when all around we’re required to be so serious, so much of the time?

Granted, upholding the traditions of three generations of vine growers is nothing to scoff at — but Christelle also loves to have fun, too. Stomping grapes to the rhythms of Latin jazz? Chez Betton, it’s all in a day’s “work.”

Our selections from Christelle’s cellar are all about pure Syrah fruit — ripe, tangy, refined — a flood of summer berries, violet aromas, baking spices. Tannins are silky, providing just enough grip; these are gorgeous wines that are juicy, suave and oh-so easy to drink.

We are very excited about our new partnership with Domaine Christelle Betton, and are looking forward to introducing her whole range of northern Rhône gems to you in the coming months!

Crozes-Hermitage Rouge ‘Espiègle’
‘Espiègle’ means mischievous in French; this young-vine pure Syrah is certainly that. Fruity, teasing and lively, with a succulent core of red and black fruits. Aged in older French oak barrels for one year.

 

Crozes-Hermitage Rouge ‘Caprice’
‘Caprice’ means whim in French, and could describe the feelings of a passionate winemaker as she guides her vines through the challenges and often heartaches of each vintage. A selection of the estate’s oldest vines, this pure Syrah wine is raised in older French oak barrels for one year. Licorice, cocoa, candied violets; black fruits and pepper.

 

Crozes-Hermitage Blanc ‘Elixir’
A 100% Marsanne wine, selected from vines planted in 1985. Aged in older French oak barrels for eight months. White flowers, citrus; full-bodied, silky and long. A gorgeous white with verve, perfect for an aperitif or with soft-rind French cheese.