François Villard, L'Appel Des Serines, IGP Collines Rhodaniennes, Northern Rhône, France, 2023

Producer Profile

François’ empire continues to grow, but he still keeps a tight rein on operations while being open to sharing his knowledge and passion for his region.

The recently expanded winery perched above Saint-Michel-sur-Rhône, once modest in size, is now brimming with vats and barrels, yet the exceptional quality remains unwavering. François Villard’s distinguished estate, founded in 1989 by the former chef turned winemaker, has grown to encompass over 40ha of vineyards, alongside an additional 25ha of fruit sourced from trusted growers. Producing around 450,000 bottles annually, the domaine offers a diverse portfolio of 23 cuvées from some of the northern Rhône Valley’s most celebrated appellations, including Condrieu, Côte- Rôtie, Saint-Joseph, Crozes-Hermitage, Cornas and Saint-Péray. These wines regularly grace the tables of top restaurants worldwide – a testament to their enduring excellence.

Viticulture

he wine is sourced from carefully selected parcels in Chavanay, Ardoix, Saint-Michel-sur-Rhône and Vérin. Planted exclusively to Syrah, the vineyards are rooted in decomposed granite soils that bring freshness and aromatic lift to the fruit. Vines, with an average age of 15 years, are planted at a density of 5,000 per hectare and trained using a combination of Cordon de Royat and traditional goblet pruning. South-east facing exposures ensure optimal ripening, while yields of around 80 hl/ha preserve the wine’s vibrant, fruit-driven character.

Winemaking

The harvest includes 30% whole bunches, lending aromatic lift and added complexity to the wine. Fermentation takes place over approximately 12 days in a mix of open stainless steel and wooden vats, allowing for gentle, controlled extraction. Ageing follows for 15 months, with 60% of the wine maturing in truncated wooden vats and barrels to build depth and structure, while the remaining 40% is kept in stainless steel to retain freshness and clarity.

Tasting Note

The nose is immediately captivating, unfolding an elegant interplay of violet florals, gentle spice and ripe blackberry. On the palate, the wine is vibrant and beautifully fresh, carried by supple, fleshy tannins that lend both texture and poise. The structure is refined and seamless, leading into a long, persistent finish marked by elegance and balance.

Food matching

Perfect as an aperitif, this pairing works effortlessly with grilled meats and juicy rump steak, while its fresh Rhône character complements a generous selection of cheeses.