Domaine des Hauts Châssis - "l'Essential" Crozes-Hermitage Blanc 2020

Franck Faugier took over his family vineyards in 1998, shortly thereafter founding Domaine des Hauts Châssis in 2003. He is the fourth generation of his family to tend to their vines in the commune of La Roche-de-Glun in Crozes-Hermitage, however all the previous generation sold their grapes to either Paul Jaboulet Aîne or the Tain Cooperative. Franck's 12 hectares of Syrah vines (and 1 hectare combined of Marsanne and Roussanne) are on the stony, red-clay and sandy soils of Les Châssis — one of the most prized plots of land in all of Crozes-Hermitage — with three hectares planted in the 1930's and another four planted in the 1950's and 1960's. He works his vines as naturally as possible, utilizing Biodynamic farming methods to ensure the health of his soil and plants. From these stony soils, Franck is able to craft expressive, juicy Syrah that drinks with fabulous freshness, complexity and fruit intensity.

Domaine des Hauts Châssis L'Essential is a blend of 50% Marsanne and 50% Roussanne fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks. Light gold color in the glass, the wine emits gorgeous aromas of white flowers, peach, pear and nectarine. There is a wonderful minerality that runs throughout the wine, blended with yellow plum and dried apricot fruit flavors on its round, viscous body. A perfect complement for Picodon de la Drôme (a goat's milk cheese from the Rhône) or fish in a complex sauce.