Wines Rhône Hills Seyssuel, Esprit d'Antan, Pierre-Jean Villa 2018 - 2018

Viniou Reviews

Seyssuel, Esprit d’Antan 2018 from Pierre-Jean Villa is a red wine crafted under the IGP Collines Rhodaniennes. This vintage is predominantly made from Syrah, a grape variety emblematic of the Northern Rhône, with grapes sourced from the historic slopes of Seyssuel just north of Vienne. The 2018 vintage presents an intense and vibrant profile, owing to a warm growing season that led to optimal grape ripeness. Vinification is meticulous, with gentle extraction and careful élevage to preserve the finesse and freshness of the terroir, typically employing a combination of stainless steel vats and old oak barrels to maintain purity of fruit and subtle structure.

The Collines Rhodaniennes IGP covers a broad area alongside the river Rhône, with the Seyssuel vineyards perched on steep, south-facing slopes of schist and mica schist soils, reminiscent of Côte-Rôtie. Historically, this area was renowned in Roman times, and its revival has brought forward wines that elegantly balance the peppery intensity of Syrah with floral and mineral notes. The local continental climate, marked by hot summers and cooler nights, enhances concentration and aromatic complexity in the wines, while the rocky soils imbue them with energy and persistence.

For food pairings, Seyssuel, Esprit d’Antan 2018 shines alongside robust dishes such as roasted duck breast with a cassis reduction, slow-cooked lamb shoulder, or grilled venison. The wine’s spicy nuance and structured palate also make it a wonderful match for regional delicacies like gratin dauphinois or saucisson brioché. For vegetarian options, consider pairing with wild mushroom risotto or aubergine tart, where earthy components echo the wine’s own savoury aspects.

To best appreciate its aromatic depth and refined tannins, serve this wine slightly cool, ideally between 15-17°C. Decanting for an hour before tasting will allow the Syrah’s violet, black fruit, and peppercorn notes to fully express themselves. Enjoy now for its youthful vigour or cellar for several more years to reveal greater complexity and silkiness.