Region: Languedoc-Roussillon, France

Varietal: 70% Syrah, 15% Mourvedre & 15% Grenache

Tasting Notes: Polished and poised, ‘Le Vassal’ opens with aromas of wild herbs, crushed blackberry, and a faint whiff of black pepper. The palate is supple yet taut, layered with dark fruit, savory spice, and a mineral edge that keeps it fresh and lifted. Old World restraint meets Southern warmth—ideal with grilled lamb, mushroom dishes, or anything off a wood-fired grill.

Producer: René Rostaing is widely regarded as one of the modern masters of the Northern Rhône, with a reputation for crafting refined, age-worthy wines that express the nuance of their terroir. He rose to prominence in the 1990s, earning international acclaim for his deft ability to balance power and elegance in Côte-Rôtie. His pursuit of excellence and minimal-intervention philosophy helped redefine the region’s identity, making Rostaing a benchmark name for Syrah lovers. His expansion to the Languedoc with the Puech Noble estate represents an extension of this same ethos—bringing finesse and precision to a region better known for its rusticity.

Vineyard & Winemaking: Puech Noble is situated on a plateau characterized by galets roulés—rounded stones reminiscent of those in Châteauneuf-du-Pape—overlying limestone soils. At an elevation approximately 150 meters higher than Châteauneuf, the site benefits from cooler temperatures, contributing to the freshness and balance of the wines. The vineyard spans 22 hectares, with 12.5 hectares under vine, cultivated without herbicides and maintained entirely by mechanical means. In the cellar, traditional methods prevail: grapes are hand-harvested, fermentation occurs with wild yeasts, and aging takes place in a mix of 225 and 500-liter barrels, with only a small percentage being new oak.