Domaine François Villard - Crozes-Hermitage - Cour de Récré 2024
Located in Saint-Michel-sur-Rhône, Domaine François Villard has established itself over a few decades as one of the essential references of northern Rhône. Founded in 1989 by François Villard, a former chef turned passionate winemaker, the estate now covers about 45 hectares spread over several prestigious appellations. Certified organic, it advocates a precise and respectful approach to the terroir, highlighting the purest expressions of Syrah. The Cour de Récré cuvée in Crozes-Hermitage fits this philosophy with an accessible and immediate reading of the appellation. Made from parcels located on alluvial soils mixing rolled pebbles and clay, this wine is conceived as a tasty introduction to the Villard style. The 2024 vintage, still young, particularly emphasizes freshness and the straightforwardness of the fruit.
On the nose, Cour de Récré 2024 opens with a charming and direct aromatic profile, dominated by crunchy red fruits such as raspberry and cherry, accompanied by subtle floral notes and a slight spicy touch. The whole is expressive without excess, with a beautiful clarity that immediately invites tasting. On the palate, the wine is supple, fluid, and particularly easy to drink, supported by a lively fruity frame and a light structure. The tannins are fine and discreet, giving way to a sensation of freshness and immediate pleasure. The balance is perfectly controlled, without heaviness, with a clean and refreshing finish. It is a deliberately accessible cuvée, designed for pleasure without sacrificing the identity of the terroir.
At the table, this Crozes-Hermitage will ideally accompany fine charcuterie, grilled dishes, roasted poultry, or simple and convivial meals. It is best enjoyed slightly chilled to accentuate its crunchy and thirst-quenching side. Its profile makes it an excellent high-end bistro wine, perfect for consumption in its youth, although it can evolve harmoniously over a few years. Cour de Récré perfectly lives up to its name: a wine of pleasure, spontaneous, but made with the seriousness and precision typical of François Villard. A beautiful gateway into the estate's universe and more broadly into the world of northern Rhône wines.
Grape variety: 100% Syrah
