Terra Helvorum Syrah 2020, Vignerons Ardechois, IGP Ardeche

Brilliant, deep red colour. Notes of balsamic spices, eucalyptus and dark fruits. Structured and complex palate, present tannins present with an ample and powerful moutfeel.

The Vignerons Ardéchois Cave Co-opérative (also known as U.V.I.C.A – Union des Vignerons des Coteaux de l’Ardèche) has its roots in the late 1960s when the Presidents of 7 major Cave Co-opératives agreed a unified policy of modernisation, re-planting and marketing. Based in the town of Ruoms, 20 kilometres south of Aubenas this forward-thinking, modernist collective has done much to revive the fortunes of this ancient vine-area, which dates back to Roman times. Today the Vignerons Ardéchois co-operative represents some 2000 grape growers from 21 different smaller co-operatives. U.V.I.C.A is a terrific source of keenly-priced, well made single variety wines and accessible, fruit-driven blends.

The vineyard is exclusively located in the commune of Alba La Romaine, at the foot of the volcanic Massif du Coiron, with soils of 70% gravel and 30% basalt on plot selections with low yields of less than 30 hl/ha. 5 to 6 bunches are kept per vine with a stripping to allow a good maturity of the grape. The harvest is exclusively manual to keep only the most beautiful grapes. After vinification, the wines are aged for 12 months in barrels and continue their aging in the bottle.