2021 Berry Bros. & Rudd Reserve Red by Collovray & Terrier

J L Terrier & C Collovray

Jean-Luc Terrier and Christian Collvray were recently hailed as Burgundy's Winemakers of the Year by the renowned Gault-Millau guide and are better known for their exemplary White Burgundies from Domaine Des Deux Roches. In recent years, however, this quality-conscious duo have been producing an outstanding range of wines from 30-year-old vines on slopes 500 metres above sea level south of Limoux in the Languedoc region.

The combination of quality, varietal definition and value persuaded us to take the important step of working with them to produce three of our House wines. 

Burgundy

Burgundy never quite achieved its political ambitions of being a kingdom in its own right, but for many, the region produces some of the most regal red and white wines in the world.

In Burgundy there are 100 different appellations, numerous individual vineyards and more than 3,000 individual producers.  Around 15 million cases are produced annually from 26,500ha of vines in Burgundy, which is usually sub-divided into five regions: Chablis in the Yonne department; the Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune in the department of the Côte d'Or; and the Chalonnais and Mâconnais in the Saone-et-Loire.

The world's most famous white wine grape may have originated in Burgundy, where there’s a village called Chardonnay (near Mâcon). This marvellous, full-bodied grape responds well to barrel ageing and can produce wines of great complexity that can age for decades. More often than not though, in recent times, the wines are better enjoyed in their youth. The simpler white wines of Chablis to the north, and the Mâconnais in the south, are usually made in stainless steel to preserve freshness.

The heartland for white Burgundy is the Côte de Beaune with its three great villages, Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet and Chassagne-Montrachet. Here the vineyard classification system really comes into its own. On the flattest land, the wines will be classed only as generic Bourgogne Blanc; as the slope begins to rise, the wines are designated by the name of their village. At mid-slope, the finest vineyards (whose wines are bottled separately) are categorised as Premier Cru (eg Les Charmes) or Grand Cru (Le Montrachet).

Though attractive wines can be found in the Côte Chalonnais (Mercurey, Givry), the great red wines of Burgundy are found in the Côte d'Or. The line of magical villages which constitutes the Côte de Nuits, Gevrey-Chambertin, Morey-St Denis, Chambolle-Musigny, Vougeot, Vosne-Romanée and Nuits-St Georges is practically a roll call of great names. The Côte de Beaune competes through such gems as Volnay and Pommard, which are adjacent yet contrasting villages: lacy elegance for the wines of Volnay, while sturdy and more structured in those from Pommard.

Whereas Burgundy used to be considered a veritable minefield because of the complexity of choice, these days it is more of a playground for the adventurous wine lover, thanks to the vast increase in number of quality-conscious, properly-trained producers.

Syrah & Merlot

The Syrah & Merlot wine blend combines the unique characteristics of both grapes to create a harmonious and balanced wine.

Syrah is a bold and robust grape variety known for its deep colour, rich flavours, and strong tannins. It typically offers intense aromas of dark fruits such as blackberry, blueberry, and plum, along with notes of pepper, spices, and sometimes a touch of smokiness. The wines are often full-bodied, with a firm structure and a long, persistent finish.

Merlot, on the other hand, is generally considered a softer and more approachable grape variety. It produces wines that are medium to full-bodied with velvety textures. Merlot is known for its juicy flavours of ripe red fruits like cherry and raspberry and hints of chocolate, herbs, and sometimes floral notes. It tends to have milder tannins compared to Syrah.

When blended, Syrah and Merlot can complement each other's strengths and create a more complex and well-rounded wine. The softness, fruitiness, and elegance of Merlot can balance Syrah's structure, intensity, and spiciness. The result is often a wine with a deep, concentrated colour, a rich bouquet of fruits and spices, a medium to full body, and a smooth, velvety texture.

The proportions of Syrah and Merlot in the blend can vary depending on the winemaker's preference and the desired style of the wine. In some cases, Syrah may dominate the blend, adding power and intensity, while Merlot contributes smoothness and approachability. In other blends, the proportions may be more equal, aiming for both varieties' balanced and harmonious expression.