PRODUCER: Domaine Aléofane
REGION: Northern Rhône, Rhône Valley, France
WINEMAKERS: Natacha Chave
Aléofane is a name that Natacha Chave - scion of the renowned Chave family and sister of fellow winemaker Yann - borrowed from Scottish-Kiwi author John Macmillan Brown. The name- meaning 'gem of truth' - is that of an idyllic island where wine is in equal parts virtuous and devious, an apt summation of Natacha's bottlings. Respecting the time-honoured laws of the Northern Rhône, yet imbuing her wines with a superb uniqueness thanks to her arduous manual work and biodynamic techniques, Natacha creates some of the finest Syrah cuvées we've ever tasted.
WINERY HISTORY
A Northern Rhône native, Natacha originally left the world of wine behind, studying philosophy at university before pursuing a masters degree in the philosophy of language. Having decided to return to her roots, she re-introduced herself to the Northern Rhône in the early 2000s. With her brother taking over the family domaine, she elected to set out on her own, purchasing vineyards in Saint-Joseph, Crozes-Hermitage, and Cornas in the first decade of the 2000s. Her decision to open her own domaine has proved a fruitful one, with her wines wowing consumers and critics alike since her first vintage in 2004. Having the Chave family name may have helped Natacha bring attention to her estate, but the quality of the wines is entirely due to her own efforts - and the quality is extraordinary. Featuring fruit concentration, balance and a weighty intensity that can only come from a combination of old vines and top quality winemaking, this shouldn't be missed.
VITICULTURE & WINEMAKING
Her efforts in the vineyard and winery may be best described as a labour of love. Work is meticulous and entirely manual, with a passion for the environment emphasized by biodynamic practices. Ever searching for her gem of truth, vineyard treatments are holistic, prepared from native spices, oils, and plants. Winemaking is notably non-interventionist, with sulphur use kept to a minimum and native yeast fermentations. Harvest is done by hand, with the grapes partially destemmed prior to fermentation in vats, adding an element of intrigue and mystery to her already bewitching bottlings.
The Saint Joseph is from vines near Tournon in the south of the appellation, planted on granite and matured for 12 months in demi-muids and barrique. With a nose of dark plums and gentle violet notes, the Saint Joseph delights with layered hints of plums, blackberries, and gentle oak flavours. The Crozes-Hermitage is from 50-year-old vines grown on clay and galettes. It sees the same 12 months maturation, this time exclusively in 600 Lt demi-muids. Dense and concentrated, the intensity of this wine is belied by the beautiful balance Natacha so expertly elucidates. The Cornas comes from Massale selection vines, planted 380m above sea level, and aged out in demi-muids. A powerful wine full of spice, the Cornas sings with florality and notes of mocha and pepper. Her wines display a delicate yet distinct sense of feel and place, true expressions of not just Syrah, but Natacha herself
