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2020 Syrah “Le Samson”
Meyer-FonnéWhen the time came to replant a tiny plot of Riesling on a particularly steep slope of the grand cru Wineck-Schlossberg vineyard, Félix Meyer chose to experiment with Syrah instead. It would seem a bold move; his vineyards here are one of the domaine’s crown jewels. But Félix is a winemaker who looks ahead, not simply ten or twenty years into the future, but the entire lifetime of the vine. After a series of warmer vintages in a region that is one of France’s driest, Syrah stood out as a natural fit for the exceptional terroir of this parcel, with its southern exposure and quick-draining granite soils reminiscent of the northern Rhône.
Harvested for the first time in 2020, the inaugural vintage has finally reached our shores and is proof of his keen foresight. Stunning aromatics command your attention immediately; ripe plum and vanilla open up into bright cherry. Approachable enough to enjoy alone, this Syrah comes into its own alongside a hearty meal, intensifying the richness of the brambly fruit and bringing out notes of leather and tobacco. I paired it with beef stew, but for a truly Alsatian experience, I recommend Bœuf au Gros Sel or grilled venison. Take this opportunity to snap up a few bottles of this truly singular Syrah to be enjoyed now and over the next several years.
—Meghan Foley
Wine Type: | red |
Vintage: | 2020 |
Bottle Size: | 750mL |
Blend: | Syrah |
Country: | France |
Region: | Alsace |
Producer: | Meyer-Fonné |
Winemaker: | François & Félix Meyer |
Vineyard: | Planted in 2019 and 2021, .1 ha |
Soil: | Granite with Mica |
Farming: | Organic (practicing) |
Alcohol: | 13.5% |
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About The Producer
Meyer-Fonné
About The Region
Alsace
Tragically, Alsace might be the most misunderstood wine region of France. In spite of its long history of viticulture and tremendous diversity of pedigreed terroirs, a past fraught with marketing mishaps has left consumers baffled as to what exactly to expect inside one of these mysterious tall, thin bottles.
The good news, on the other hand, is that a new wave of quality-oriented growers is working hard to put Alsace in its rightful place as one of the world’s most fascinating sources of fine white wine. By embracing tradition, respecting terroir, and making a concerted effort to better communicate the countless virtues their wines have to offer, they have succeeded in putting Alsace back on the map.
Crafted from a number of grape varieties and beautifully interpreting the region’s mosaic of soil types, our Alsace imports are by and large dry whites offering exceptional versatility at table. While each of these selections is ready to be uncorked tonight, the finest among them are also capable of maturing for many, many years in a cool cellar. Expect kaleidoscopic aromatics, lively acidities, and loads of terroir transparency in these skillfully crafted masterpieces. Enjoy a foray into the thrilling world of the world’s most underrated wine region, and certainly do not hesitate to contact our sales staff with any questions as you take off on this mouth-watering adventure.
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Kermit once said...
Kermit once said...
If you're looking for value, look where no one else is looking.
Inspiring Thirst, page 211