Tenet Wines Le Fervent Syrah, Costières de Nîmes, Rhône Valley, France 2013
$20.99 at Crush Wine & Spirits in Bryant, Arkansas
91% Syrah / 6% Grenache / 2% Mourvèdre / 3% Viognier-co-fermented with Syrah
Aged for 12 months in two-thirds in concrete vats and one-third in oak barrels.
Almost black with red hues on the rim. Complex and intense nose with black plum, ink, blood orange and hints of pencil lead. On the palate, fresh with blueberry with hints of toast and cocoa. Good acidity and firm tannins.
Tenet wines is an American-French collaboration between Chateau Ste. Michelle’s head winemaker, Bob Bertheau, in Washington and distinguished winemaker, Michel Gassier, and renowned enology consultant, Philippe Cambie, in the Rhône Valley. The motivation behind this partnership is these gentlemen’s belief, or tenet, that there is a connection between Syrah’s most prestigious region, the Rhône Valley, and its great potential on Washington’s volcanic slopes.
Tenet produces three wines: two in Washington in Columbia Valley – one called Tenet (a Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre blend) and The Pundit (Syrah) and this third wine, Le Fervent, is produced in France in Costières de Nîmes (kos-tyehr duh neem), the southern-most region in the Rhône Valley. Due to this region’s close proximity to the Mediterranean Sea, the cool climate creates a wine with freshness, elegance, and minerality typical of Northern Rhône Syrahs. “Le Fervent” (fehr-vahn) means one having intensity of spirit, feeling, and enthusiasm referring to Gassier’s passion for Syrah.
The producers selected vineyard sites on north-facing slopes to help shield vineyards from intense sunlight and heat which helps prolong ripeness while retaining acidity in the grapes. One third of the grapes are fermented on their stems which contributes earthy, savory aromas and flavors that complement the rich fruit.
Michel Gassier – grew up in Southern France on his family’s estate that was established in the 1940s. His experience with fresh, mineral-driven wines made him an expert in producing quality Syrahs from the Southern Rhône. His wines are internationally recognized.
Philippe Cambie – grew up on his family’s vineyard in the Languedoc. After completing his education in enology, he focused on Châteauneuf-du-Pape where he makes his wines and consults for other producers who he has helped make benchmark wines. He has fifteen 100-point wines to his credit. Robert Parker named him Enologist of the Year in 2010.
Bob Bertheau – made wine for two decades in Sonoma. He then returned to his Northwest roots to join Chateau Ste. Michelle – Washington’s oldest winery. He helped develop the rise of Washington wines’ quality around the world. He immediately recognized the great potential of Rhône varieties in Washington.
Michel Gassier & Philippe Cambie
Bob Bertheau