Saint-Joseph Le Temps des Cerises Stéphane Othéguy 2013

Stéphane Othéguy, an ardent advocate of organic viticulture, grows wines in the prestigious appellations of Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu and Saint-Joseph. His property is used for mixed farming so 5 hectares of fruit trees, 5 hectares of woodland and 3 hectares of grassland can be found in addition to his 3-hectare vineyard. The wines are uncomplicated, very low in sulphur, and become more refined by the year. The extremely rare Condrieu is highly sought-after, as are all the other Serine-based cuvées (a local Syrah variety).

A blend of Syrah and Sérine (an old local Syrah variety) from a parcel planted in 2005, this Saint-Joseph is organically grown. Le Temps des Cerises is a wine that has been crushed by foot and 15% destemmed; alcoholic fermentations are carried out in stainless steel tanks using indigenous yeasts, regular punching down and pumping over; and élevage on the lees lasts for 15 months in barrels (no new oak); it is neither filtered nor fined. On the nose, it expresses fresh fruit aromas, floral and peppery notes: the palate is very dense but well balanced, with fruity and spicy flavours and a very refined tannic structure.