Madson Wines 'Côte Blonde' Syrah 2024

Winemaking

Madson Wines approaches Côte-Rôtie with a philosophy centered on respecting the terroir's distinctive character and the elegance that northern Rhône Syrah can achieve. The winemaking emphasizes balance and restraint, allowing the fruit and minerality of the Côte Blonde's steep slopes to speak clearly without over-extraction or excessive oak influence.

Tasting Notes

This Côte Blonde Syrah opens with dark fruit aromatics layered with white pepper and delicate floral notes—hallmarks of the appellation's cooler, northerly exposure. On the palate, you'll find a medium to full-bodied wine with silky, well-integrated tannins that carry flavors of blackberry and licorice, underscored by a subtle minerality that speaks to the granite-rich soils. The finish is refined and lingering, with white pepper spice that closes gracefully without harshness.

Producer

Madson Wines operates as a small, focused producer within the Côte-Rôtie appellation, committed to traditional methods that highlight the singular character of their vineyard sites. The estate works with the steep, terraced parcels characteristic of the region, managing vines with care that reflects a deep understanding of Côte-Rôtie's microclimate and soil complexity.

Terroir

Côte-Rôtie, in the northern Rhône Valley, is one of France's most distinctive and demanding wine regions. The Côte Blonde sector, where this wine originates, faces north and sits on granite and mica-schist soils that impart minerality and elegance to Syrah. The steep slopes and marginal ripening conditions produce Syrah with remarkable freshness, spice, and finesse—quite different from the riper, more voluptuous styles found in warmer southern Rhône sites.

Food Pairings

This wine's silky texture and peppery spine pair beautifully with pan-seared duck breast finished with a cherry gastrique and fresh thyme. For a more casual setting, try it alongside a beef burger topped with blue cheese and caramelized onions. Its minerality and structure also complement herb-roasted lamb chops or a simple mushroom and black garlic pasta.