François Villard : Malfondière 2023

Characteristics and tasting notes for the "Malfondière" 2023 cuvée

Tasting

Colour
The colour of this red wine reveals a deep crimson hue, with a highly concentrated pigmentation while retaining beautiful clarity.

Nose
The aromatic bouquet bursts forth with an intense array of crisp black fruits, reminiscent of blackcurrant and blackberry. The whole is enhanced by delicate touches of sweet spices, black pepper and violet.

Palate
The attack is supple before revealing superb depth. The palate is structured by fine, refined tannins, carried by a refreshing energy and a hint of salinity, before finishing on a persistent, subtly smoky note.

Food and wine pairing

This cuvée pairs wonderfully with rich, flavourful meats. It will ideally accompany a beef fillet, a roasted lamb shoulder, or slow-cooked dishes in sauce such as a wild boar daube.

Service and storage

To fully appreciate the "Malfondière" 2023 cuvée, it is recommended to serve it at a temperature between 16 and 18°C, taking care to decant it for around twenty minutes while young. Approachable from today, this cellar-worthy wine can be kept until around 2038.

Other characteristics

This wine is the product of organic farming, certified by European labels, guaranteeing practices that respect the environment and biodiversity.

The authentic expression of the Crozes-Hermitage appellation by Domaine François Villard

The estate

Founded in 1989, the estate run by François Villard has established itself as an essential reference in the Rhône Valley in France. A former chef and truly passionate self-taught winemaker, he remains the current owner and decision-maker of this estate. Starting from a simple patch of wasteland, he patiently built up a vineyard that today spans 42 hectares under estate ownership. A staunch advocate of sustainable viticulture, the estate has obtained organic certification, illustrating its deep commitment to respecting the terroir and creating wines of great elegance.

The vineyard

The plot that gives rise to this wine is located in the Mercurol sector, in the southern part of the Crozes-Hermitage appellation. This distinctive terroir stands out for its soils composed of rolled pebbles, sand and clay, offering excellent drainage and optimal heat retention. The vines, around 45 years old, benefit from a high planting density that favours aromatic concentration. All vineyard work is carried out by hand, with the utmost respect for the plant.

The vintage

The year 2023 stood out for climatic conditions that allowed optimal ripeness to be reached. This growing cycle produced berries offering better balance than the previous year, resulting in preserved freshness and lovely natural acidity, while retaining a generous sugar richness.

Winemaking and ageing

Following manual harvesting and rigorous sorting, the grapes destined for the "Malfondière" 2023 cuvée are mostly vinified as whole bunches. Fermentation begins naturally thanks to indigenous yeasts in open vats, punctuated by regular punching down under temperature control. This is followed by natural malolactic fermentation. The wine is then aged for eighteen months in used French oak barrels, several years old, in order to refine the wine's structure without masking the brilliance of the fruit.

Grape variety

100% Syrah