2009 Côtes du Rhône Château de Fonsalette

2009 Côtes du Rhône – Château de Fonsalette

Description

Owned by Emmanuel Reynaud (also the mastermind behind the legendary Château Rayas), Château de Fonsalette is renowned for crafting exceptional Côtes du Rhône wines, far exceeding the appellation’s standards. The 2009 vintage, a warm and generous year, brings remarkable depth, seductive richness, and a well-structured tannic frame, while maintaining the freshness and elegance that define the estate’s style.

Blend

• Grenache: Delivers ripe red fruit aromas and impressive intensity.

• Cinsault: Enhances finesse and silky tannins.

• Syrah: Adds spicy complexity and structure.

Aged in old oak foudres, this wine preserves fruit purity and terroir complexity without excessive oak influence.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Deep ruby with garnet reflections, showing slight evolution.

• Nose: A beautifully expressive bouquet of black cherry, stewed plums, and sweet spices. Hints of leather, blond tobacco, and forest floor emerge with aeration, adding layers of complexity.

• Palate: Generous and velvety from the start, with integrated tannins and an elegant freshness. Flavors of ripe black fruits, black olives, garrigue, and licorice unfold, leading to a long, persistent finish with subtle peppery nuances.

Aging Potential

The 2009 Côtes du Rhône de Fonsalette is at a beautiful stage of maturity, with 5 to 10 years of further aging potential, developing even more fascinating tertiary aromas.

Food Pairings

A perfect match for rich and flavorful dishes:

• Slow-cooked lamb shoulder with Provençal herbs

• Duck breast with roasted figs

• Game meats in sauce (venison, wild boar)

• Aged cheese platter (Morbier, Saint-Nectaire, Tomme de Savoie)