CROZES HERMITAGE “LES FÉES BRUNES”
Jean-Luc Colombo
APPELLATION
Crozes-Hermitage AOC
GRAPE VARIETIES
100% Syrah
WINEMAKERS
Jean-Luc Colombo
TECHNICAL DATA
Alcohol
14.5%
91POINTS
90POINTS


Innovation, passion and dedication are what drives Jean-Luc and Anne Colombo, whose contributions to Rhône Valley winemaking is unparalleled. A devotee of the Syrah grape and armed with a pharmacy degree, Jean-Luc and his wife, Anne, opened their wine laboratory in 1984, “Centre Oenologique des Côtes du Rhône” and quickly developed a thriving reputation as a wine consultant throughout France. For their significant life-long contributions to their country, both Jean-Luc and Anne have been awarded the French Legion of Honor, France’s highest civilian award. The Colombo’s innovative approach in the northern appellation of Cornas was nothing short of revolutionary. Today, Jean-Luc Colombo’s wines express the typicity of their terroir with elegance and character, from the Côte Rôtie in the northern Rhône to his Provençal roses.
TERROIR & VINTAGE NOTESCrozes Hermitage is the largest of all the northern appellations of the Rhône with the vineyards surrounding the Hermitage appellation. "Les Fées Brunes" (The Brunette Fairies) is made from 60-year-old vines from a single vineyard planted on the terraced granite slopes.
WINEMAKING & AGEINGGrapes grown on 60-year-old vines are harvested by hand into small, shallow containers and vinified traditionally, undergoing a three weeks maceration post fermentation.
The wine is aged six months in oak barrels (15% new oak and 85% in one- to four-year old barrels).
Dark purple color. On the nose, the wine is intense; reminiscent of blackberries and licorice, supported by notes of black pepper. The palate offers a wonderful combination of the New World and Old World styles as this wine has lots of fresh cherry and black plum fruit flavors against an intense, spicy, mineral background. Pairs well with red meats, hearty pasta dishes with garlic and red sauce, barbecue and aged cheeses.