Domaine Combier Crozes Hermitage 'Clos des Grives' 2021

Domaine Combier Crozes Hermitage 'Clos des Grives' is a highly regarded Syrah from the Northern Rhône, offering a refined and expressive take on the appellation. Awarded 94 points by JamesSuckling.com (June 2023), this wine opens with a seductive nose of spiced cherries, forest berries, smoke, graphite, and black pepper. Medium-bodied and elegant, it delivers fine structure, silky tannins, and a long, savoury finish. Grown on a single enclosed vineyard site, this cuvée reflects both the precision and depth for which Domaine Combier is known.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.

Type: Red Wine
Style: Medium-bodied, Elegant
Grape Varietal: Syrah
Tastes Like: Comparable to a Shiraz with spiced cherry, forest berries, smoke, graphite, black pepper
Alcohol Percentage: 13.5%
Closure: Cork
Size: 750mL
Appellation: AOC Crozes-Hermitage
Region: Rhône Valley, France
Terroir: Gravel and clay soils in a walled vineyard
Aging: Aged in French oak barrels
Serving Temperature: 16–18°C – Best served slightly below room temperature

Domaine Combier, located in the heart of the Crozes-Hermitage appellation, is a family-run estate known for its organic viticulture and minimalist winemaking approach. The 'Clos des Grives' is the estate's flagship wine, produced from a single parcel enclosed by stone walls. This vineyard benefits from excellent drainage and sun exposure, yielding Syrah of exceptional purity and depth. Domaine Combier's commitment to terroir expression and finesse is clearly reflected in this cuvée, making it a benchmark for Crozes-Hermitage.

Red Meat: Chargrilled sirloin or beef short ribs with red wine jus.
Lamb: Roast lamb with rosemary or lamb tagine with prunes.
Game: Roast duck with pepper glaze or venison stew with root vegetables.
Vegetarian: Roasted mushrooms with truffle oil or grilled eggplant with tomato confit.

Bleu d'Auvergne: Bold and salty, enhancing Syrah's depth.
Comté: Nutty and aged, matching the wine's spice and texture.
Brie de Melun: Creamy and pungent, balancing fruit and minerality.
Saint-Nectaire: Smooth and earthy, complementing the wine's savoury tones.

Ratatouille alla Provenzale (Provençal Ratatouille)

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large eggplant, diced
• 2 zucchinis, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 ripe tomatoes, chopped (or 1 can of diced tomatoes)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the eggplant and sauté for 5 minutes, until it starts to soften. Add the zucchini, bell peppers, and onion, and cook for an additional 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Add the garlic to the pot and cook for another 1–2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. Stir in the chopped tomatoes, dried thyme, dried oregano, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all the vegetables are tender and the flavours have melded together.
4. Once the ratatouille is cooked, remove the bay leaf and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
5. Serve the ratatouille warm, garnished with fresh chopped basil.
6. Pair with a glass of **Domaine Combier Crozes Hermitage 'Clos des Grives' 2021** to complement the dish’s depth of flavour, enhancing the spicy, elegant qualities of the wine.