DOMAINE ETIENNE POCHON
Rhône / CROZES-HERMITAGE
Nestled in the Northern Rhône Valley, the elusive Etienne Pochon and his family have been cultivating vineyards and helming the esteemed Château Curson since the late 18th century. Their wines are renowned for their distinctive quality and imbued with a finesse that is quite refreshing for the appellation.
The Château Curson, an edifice with a south-facing facade dating to the late 16th century, was once the property of the illustrious Diane de Poitiers, a renowned figure in French history born in 1499 in Saint-Vallier, who served as the mistress of French King Henri II before her passing in 1566. The property has been passed down through generations for over two centuries, and it was Nicolas Amédée de la Croix Marquis de Chevrières who in 1774 rented it to Etienne Pochon's ancestors, Jean and Etiques Barret, who were farmers in Mours near Romans/Isère. The property was later sold to them by Jean Denis René de la Croix Marquis de Chevrières, the son of Nicolas.
The vineyard, comprising 16 hectares, is planted with 12 ha of Syrah, and 3.5 ha of Roussanne, and Marsanne varietals. Committed to environmental stewardship, the estate have been organic certified in 2017, though they had been implementing organic farming techniques for several years prior.The outcome of their meticulous endeavors is an assemblage of vintages that exude intricacy and intensity, boasting refined tannins and an opulent palate sensation.
Owner
Region
Terroirs
Farming
Harvest
Size
Grapes Grown
Website
Vineland Rep.
Etienne Pochon
Rhône
Crozes-Hermitage
Organic
Manual
16 hectares
Marssanne, Roussanne, Syrah
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Etienne Pochon Crozes-Hermitage Blanc 2022
Terroir: From vineyards located in the plain and aged 25 years +.
Grape Varieties: Marsanne 50% and Roussanne 50%
Average age of the vines: 25 years
Surface: 3 hectares
Yield: 20hl/ha
Winemaking: The grapes are harvested manually, in the morning, at optimal maturity. They are then de-stemmed and undergo a maceration of 12 to 18 hours at low temperature, then a gentle pressing is performed with a pneumatic press. A 24 hour settling is carried out, and then selected yeast inoculation takes place to facilitate fermentation. The fermentation is controlled and takes place at a temperature between 18 and 20°C. It lasts about 20 days in stainless steel tanks.
Aging: In tanks for 7 months.
Notes: The wine of this vintage is rich in aromas of white flowers, powerful, aromatic, smooth and has a certain acidity, it should be enjoyed in its youth before the age of 4 years.
Etienne Pochon Crozes-Hermitage Rouge 2021
Terroir: The terroir is composed of Quaternary gravel, comprising of inclining topographies generally characterized by their infertile nature, arising from the ancient alluvium of the Rhône River. The scant richness of the soil yields vintages imbued with a more luscious and palatable bouquet.
Grape Varieties: 100% Syrah
Average age of the vines: 20 years
Surface: 8 hectares
Yield: 40hl/ha
Winemaking: The grapes are manually harvested in small batches. The grapes are de-stemmed and undergo a 3-day maceration process at 18°C in a thermoregulated stainless steel tank. Fermentation then starts with the help of locally selected yeasts to produce a wine that can be aged. The temperature is controlled at 33°C during the 7-day fermentation period, with frequent pumpovers. After that, a 20-day hot maceration process is carried out. Pressing takes place after 20 days, where the wine is separated from the grape skins and seeds. The wine is kept at 18°C to facilitate malolactic fermentation. The different cuvées are then classified after this process.
Ageing: 6 months in barrels that are 2 to 6 years old.
Notes: This cuvée is characterized by a deep red color, high concentration of aromas (spices, licorice, very ripe red fruits), roundness, soft tannins, and a long finish in the mouth.
Etienne Pochon Crozes-Hermitage Cuvée Château Curson 2016
Terroir: The terroir, which comprises primarily of alluvial gravels on a slope incline, possesses a subsoil that is rich in clay, allowing the grapevines to draw sustenance during extended arid conditions such as those experienced in the year 2009. This terroir is highly conducive to the optimal cultivation of Syrah vines, leading to the crafting of vinification that are inherently complex and replete with concentrated aromas, possessing tannins that are elegantly refined and seamlessly integrated.
Grape Varieties: 100% Syrah
Average age of the vines: 40 years
Yield: 35hl/ha
Winemaking: Hand harvested meticulously executed by hand, with a stringent selection process applied if necessary, and done in small batches. The grapes, once harvested, undergo a period of de-stemming followed by a 3-day maceration at 18°C within thermoregulated stainless steel vats. This is then followed by the initiation of alcoholic fermentation, catalyzed by the use of specially selected yeast strains for the purpose of aging. During this phase, which lasts approximately 7 days, the temperature is kept at 33°C, and frequent remontage techniques are employed. This is then followed by a 20-day hot maceration period. The wine is then separated from the must after 30 days. The wine is kept at 18°C which facilitates the malolactic fermentation.
Ageing: 11 months in new or 1 to 2 years old barrels.
Notes: The Château Curson red displays a deep purple coloration and an assertively complex aroma, characterized by a harmonious blend of ripe red fruit notes, violets, licorice, and pepper. On the palate, it is richly textured with seamlessly integrated tannins. This premier cru wine will reach its peak expression after several years of aging and is representative of the highest echelon of Crozes-Hermitage wines. It can be favorably compared to the most celebrated vintages of the Northern Rhône Valley and should be consumed between 5-12 years post-vintage.
