Hugo & Pauline Villa Crozes Hermitage 2022

Hugo and Pauline are part of the new, young guard making wine in the Northern Rhône. This younger group is seeking wines that are lighter and less brooding than their predecessors, including Hugo’s dad. Their importer uses the term “bistro wines,” which is very fitting because I believe this wine would pair well with everything from trout almandine to steak frites. I know, we’re not in Paris, but the same idea applies to rotisserie chicken or meatloaf. The cherry on top is that this wine will also make a fantastic bottle for Thanksgiving.

The Villa’s buy the grapes for this wine from a neighbor of Hugo’s dad. It’s a steep site covered with large, round glacial deposits called galets roulés. Of course, they hand-harvest, ferment with wild yeast, and age the wine in large, old oak vats. The nose is classic Syrah from this region: equal parts dark berries, black olives, old leather, and dried herbs. What I love about this wine is the beautiful lift of fruit, framed by freshness and tension, which makes it so versatile with food. Drink now or age up to six years.