Franck Balthazar Côtes du Rhône 2024

Franck Balthazar is based in Cornas in the northern Rhône, where he took over his family domaine in 2002. The estate is best known for traditionally made Cornas from old syrah vines, including parcels planted by Franck’s grandfather in the early 20th century. Balthazar works on a very small scale and follows a deliberately low intervention approach, farming organically, harvesting by hand and relying on indigenous yeasts rather than cultured fermentations.

The 2024 Côtes du Rhône is syrah based and made in the same spirit as the domaine’s Cornas, but intended for earlier drinking. Fruit comes from younger vines and lower lying parcels outside the Cornas appellation, with fermentation typically carried out with a substantial proportion of whole clusters in concrete or neutral vessels. Extraction is gentle, and élevage takes place in older barrels and/or neutral tank rather than new oak, preserving the peppery, floral and savory character of the grape.

The wine is bright and medium bodied, with blackberry, black cherry and violet alongside cracked pepper, olive and dried herbs. The palate is fresh and supple, with fine tannins, lively acidity and a savory, slightly earthy finish.