Description
Produced in 1999 and made mainly from young vines, the Cuvée L is a Crozes-Hermitage designed for pure enjoyment, which Laurent Combier wanted to make accessible to all. Aged primarily in oval concrete vats, the wine first impresses with its aromatic purity. Red fruits, blackcurrant, violet, spices, fresh pepper and a hint of smokiness, almost bacon-like. The charm continues on the palate with fresh, crisp fruit, tender flesh, a silky texture and a structure that is easy to drink and refreshing. A real treat, then, and a lovely harmony to accompany springtime bistro fare: charcuterie, cheese, rabbit with onions, grilled skirt steak, rack of lamb, etc.
Ovoid concrete vats
With a view to constantly enriching its expertise and taking a holistic approach to the development of the reductive Syrah grape variety, Domaine Combier introduced Marc Nomblot’s concrete eggs in 1999. These promote Brownian motion and allow for better suspension of the lees, accentuating the finesse of the tannins. In 2001, the new concrete vats arrived: they allow for delicate punching down, and the wines’ oxygenation is slower.
In the vineyard, in the cellar
The Crozes-Hermitage L cuvée from Domaine Laurent Combier in detail:
- Grape variety: 100% Syrah (young vines)
- Village: Pont de l’Isère
- Exposure: Plain – altitude 100 to 150 m
- Soil: Clay-limestone plateau with predominantly rounded pebbles
- Farming: organic (in the process of converting to organic farming with a view to ECOCERT certification)
- Harvest: Hand-picked with selective sorting
- Yield: 45 hectolitres per hectare
- Vinification: A blend of young vines from various communes in the southern part of the appellation. Fermentation in temperature-controlled 50 hl concrete vats. Full destemming / Pumping over morning and evening.
- Ageing: 8 to 10 months, 70% in ovoid concrete vats and 30% in barrels and demi-muids over 8 years old
What to eat with Laurent Combier’s Cuvée L (Crozes-Hermitage)?
- Rabbit with spring onions, olives and rosemary
- Rack of lamb
- Grilled flank steak or skirt steak
- Charcuterie
- Saint-Marcellin
