François Villard's L'Appel des Sereines represents an enchanting expression of Northern Rhône Syrah, crafted by one of the region's most innovative vignerons. This wine captures the mystical allure of its name - "The Call of the Sirens" - through elegant winemaking that showcases the pure essence of Syrah from the steep granite hillsides of Saint-Michel-sur-Rhône. The wine displays intense dark fruit aromas with hints of violet, black pepper, and subtle smoky minerality characteristic of Northern Rhône terroir.

Composition: 100% Syrah from organically farmed vineyards
Sourced from granite-based soils with southeastern exposure on terraced slopes
Winemaking: Traditional fermentation with indigenous yeasts and gentle extraction
Aging: Matured in a combination of concrete tanks and neutral French oak barrels

Wine Critic Reviews

Wine Spectator (88): About Wine Spectator

Bacchus Magazine (89): I really like this wine which reflects the terroir of the Rhône Valley well. Made by François Villard, a talented self-taught winemaker recognized as one of the great winemakers of the Northern Rhône, this typically Rhodanian wine is imbued with great elegance despite its generosity. It is a wine full of fruit, supple and crunchy, which asserts itself with aromas of red and black fruits, fennel, spices, tapenade, blond tobacco, pepper, and vanilla, with mineral and floral accents. On the palate, this cuvée 'L'appel des Sereines' stands out as much for its finesse as for its subtlety. Lots of substance on the palate, with density, but not too much, and well-balanced acidity that allows the wine's power to be balanced. The whole is tasty, ending on a persistent finish, as enveloping as it is delicious. Serve at 17°C. Delicious with grilled veal chops, chicken skewers with tapenade, herb-crusted rack of lamb, rabbit with olives, meat pie, pot-au-feu, or roasted guinea fowl.

Wine Spectator (92): About Wine Spectator