Côtes du Rhône Haut Brissan 2023 Domaine Saladin

The Côtes du Rhône Haut Brissan 2023 from Domaine Saladin is one of the most compelling and precious cuvées from this Ardèche family domaine whose history stretches back to 1422, six centuries of unbroken presence on these lands. Saladin's wines are hymns to generosity and delicacy, expressing with sensitivity the authenticity of Ardèche terroir. Pure Grenache from a single high-altitude parcel, vinified with straightforwardness and naturalness that make it one of the finest expressions of this variety in the southern Rhône valley.

The terroir of Haut Brissan

The Haut Brissan parcel sits sheltered by clapas (those ancient stone heaps peasants built to clear the land), oak and chestnut trees. These high alluvial terraces consist of rolled river stones that capture daytime heat and release it to the vines at night, whilst forming a protective layer against the Mistral and frost. This parcel sits on the highest plateau of Saint-Marcel-d'Ardèche, a position that proves crucial: it gives the Grenache a natural freshness and aromatic tension that temper the variety's solar generosity, yielding balanced wines of good length. These were the first southern Ardèche vineyards to enter the Côtes-du-Rhône Villages appellation, pioneering recognition of this terroir. The vines are fifty years old, yielding just 30 hectolitres per hectare. Harvesting is entirely manual and carefully sorted. Maceration is semi-carbonic on whole bunches with indigenous yeasts, using soft pneumatic pressing. Only sulphur is added, in minimal doses. Ageing takes place in concrete vat.

Tasting profile

Haut Brissan is 100 percent Grenache from old vines grown organically on the rolled stones of Saint-Marcel-d'Ardèche. Vinified on whole bunches with indigenous yeasts, it reveals an expressive nose of dark fruits, spice and garrigue. Multiple aromas of spice, humus and truffle complete this aromatic palette. On the palate, you find fruit, finesse, liquorice notes, considerable roundness, balance and length. The semi-carbonic maceration brings natural gourmandise and a crisp bite to the fruit, whilst the minerality of the rolled stones runs through the palate with salinity and freshness that extend the finish with elegance. These nectars unfold with delight in a texture balanced between freshness and softness. A wine of good ageing potential, capable of keeping comfortably for 8 to 10 years.

The domaine

Domaine Saladin sits in Saint-Marcel-d'Ardèche, a village in the southern Côtes du Rhône halfway between Montélimar and Avignon, on the Rhône's right bank. Elisabeth, Marie-Laurence, Louis and Annick Saladin lead this family property passed down since 1422. The domaine's 18 hectares and thirteen Rhône varieties share the distinction of having always been hand-harvested, farmed and vinified organically. Micro-cuvée vinifications follow the character of skin, stems, seeds and intuition. No additives are used except sulphur, in minimal doses at vat and bottling. Twenty-first generation vignerons on these lands, the Saladins embody the ideal of the complete family domaine, from vine to glass, without compromise.

Food pairing

This Côtes du Rhône Haut Brissan pairs beautifully with a fine grilled ribeye, lamb with thyme and rosemary, a rack of lamb with garrigue herbs, game birds such as partridge in cabbage or roasted quail, or aged cheeses like Pélardon d'Ardèche or aged Comté. Its natural freshness and finesse allow it to be served lightly chambré at 15–16 °C. Decanting for 30 minutes to an hour is suggested for the early years.