Chapoutier L’Esquerda Rouge 2021 – a refined yet vibrant ‘Syrah’ from the Côtes du Roussillon Villages Lesquerde appellation, where rocky slopes and the cool Tramontane wind create a unique balance between southern intensity and northern elegance.
In the glass, the wine displays a deep ruby color with violet reflections. The bouquet opens with blackcurrant, blackberry, and plum, followed by notes of black pepper, cocoa, smoke, and hints of wild rosemary and thyme. The nose is intense yet composed, revealing both fruit purity and the distinct character of its terroir.
On the palate, the wine is concentrated yet silky in texture. Ripe tannins and fresh acidity maintain a delicate balance between power and elegance. Layers of dark berries, spices, and stony minerality unfold gradually, leading into a long, saline, and slightly smoky finish.
The ‘Syrah’ grapes are grown around the village of Lesquerde, on granite-based slopes situated 350–500 meters above sea level. This terroir gives the wine its freshness, structure, and mineral tension. The grapes are hand-harvested to preserve their integrity and precision of expression.
Fermentation takes place in cement vats using indigenous yeasts, and the wine is aged for about 12 months in oak barrels (around 15–20% new) to achieve a perfect balance between fruit expression and structure.
L’Esquerda Rouge 2021 is a true portrait of Roussillon’s rugged beauty — a wine that combines the warmth of the South with the precision of the North: rich yet fresh, wild yet elegant, a pure voice of granite and wind.
