Clusel-Roch 'Sérine' Vin de France Rouge 2022

Winemaking

Clusel-Roch is a respected small family domaine in the Condrieu region, known for producing elegant, terroir-driven Syrahs with restraint and precision. The winemakers focus on capturing the mineral and floral character of their steep vineyard sites rather than pursuing power or extraction, allowing the wine to speak clearly about where it comes from.

Tasting Notes

Sérine opens with enticing aromas of dark berries and white pepper, layered with delicate floral notes and a whisper of minerality that hints at the schist-laden soils below. On the palate, this Syrah is refined and linear, with silky tannins that carry flavors of red fruit, licorice, and subtle smokiness without heaviness. The finish is clean and persistent, finishing with the wine's signature peppery character that lingers gracefully.

Producer

Domaine Clusel-Roch tends small vineyard parcels in the steep, challenging terrain of Condrieu, where the family has worked to express the nuances of their specific sites rather than chase volume. The estate's approach balances traditional winemaking with an understanding of how their wines evolve in bottle, resulting in wines of transparency and aging potential.

Terroir

Condrieu sits on the right bank of the Rhône Valley, known for its dramatic schist-dominated slopes that plunge toward the river. The steep terrain, modest yields, and the mineral-rich decomposed granite and schist soils impart a distinctive pepperiness and floral lift to Syrah grown here, while the continental climate with warm days and cool nights preserves freshness and structure.

Food Pairings

Try this wine with roasted pork tenderloin finished with a red wine reduction, or pair it more casually with a mushroom and herb-crusted steak. It also shines alongside duck breast with cherry gastrique, where the wine's pepper and licorice notes complement both the richness of the meat and the fruit-forward sauce.