Côtes du Rhône Haut Brissan 2023 Domaine Saladin

The Côtes du Rhône Haut Brissan 2023 from Domaine Saladin is one of the most captivating and precious cuvées of this Ardèche family domaine whose history stretches back to 1422, six centuries of unbroken presence on these lands. The wines of Domaine Saladin are hymns to indulgence and delicacy. They faithfully express the authenticity of this Ardèche terroir. A 100% Grenache from a single high-altitude parcel, vinified with directness and naturalness that make it one of the finest expressions of this variety in the southern Rhône valley.

The Haut Brissan terroir

The Haut Brissan parcel is sheltered on either side by Clapas, those stone heaps assembled by farmers over centuries to clear cultivable land, by oak and chestnut trees. These high alluvial beds of the Rhône consist of smooth pebbles that capture heat during the day, release it to the vines at night, and form a protective layer against the Mistral and frost. This single-parcel cuvée comes from the Haut Brissan lieu-dit, the highest plateau of the village of Saint-Marcel-d'Ardèche. This elevated position is crucial, conferring upon Grenache a natural freshness and aromatic tension that temper the variety's generous solar nature, producing balanced wines of beautiful length. Among the first vines of southern Ardèche to enter the Côtes-du-Rhône Villages appellation area, they were pioneers in the recognition of this terroir. The vines are 50 years old, with a yield of just 30 hectolitres per hectare. Harvesting is entirely manual and carefully sorted. Maceration is semi-carbonic in whole bunches with indigenous yeasts, soft pneumatic pressing. Only sulphur is added in minimal dose. Ageing takes place in concrete vat.

Tasting profile

Haut Brissan is a 100% Grenache cuvée from old vines cultivated organically on the rolled pebbles of Saint-Marcel-d'Ardèche. Vinified in whole bunches with indigenous yeasts, it reveals an expressive nose of dark fruits, spices and garrigue. Multiple aromatic notes of spices, humus and truffle complete this aromatic palette. On the palate, you find fruit, finesse, anise notes, considerable roundness, balance and length. The semi-carbonic maceration brings natural fruitiness and crispness to the fruit, while the minerality of the rolled pebbles runs through the palate with salinity and freshness that elegantly prolong the finish. These nectars unfold with delight in a texture that harmonises freshness and creaminess. A wine of good ageing potential, capable of being kept serenely for 8 to 10 years.

The domaine

Domaine Saladin is located in Saint-Marcel-d'Ardèche, a southern village of the Côtes du Rhône South, midway between Montélimar and Avignon, on the right bank of the Rhône. Elisabeth, Marie-Laurence, Louis and Annick Saladin head this family property passed down since 1422. The domaine's 18 hectares and 13 Rhône varieties offer the particularity of having always been hand-harvested, cultivated and vinified organically. Micro-cuvée vinifications follow the grain of the skin, stem, pips, and intuition. No additives are used except sulphur, in minimal dose at vat and bottling. The twenty-first generation of vignerons on these lands, the Saladins embody the ideal of the complete family domaine, from vine to glass, with no concession to ease or viticultural fashion.

Food and wine pairings

This Côtes du Rhône Haut Brissan will pair magnificently with a fine grilled rib-eye by the fireplace, lamb with thyme and rosemary, a herb-crusted lamb rack, game birds such as partridge with cabbage or roasted quail, or mature cheese such as an Ardèche Pélardon 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 advised for the early years.