Cellier Des Cray Suzanne Mondeuse 2016

Suzanne Mondeuse is a 100% Mondeuse Noire from Adrien Berlioz's Cellier des Cray estate in Chignin, a village in the Vin de Savoie AOC roughly 13km southeast of Chambery. The vineyards sit in the lieu-dit Les Viviers at approximately 390 meters above sea level, on calcareous-clay soils covered with loose rock scree, with some slopes reaching 50% incline. All work is done by hand — a tractor is impractical on terrain this steep.

The estate has been certified organic by Ecocert since 2012 and is also Demeter-certified biodynamic. Grapes are harvested manually, fermented spontaneously with native yeasts in stainless steel tanks, then aged in acacia barrels. The wine is bottled unfined and unfiltered, with only a low addition of sulfites at bottling.

Mondeuse Noire is an ancient alpine grape indigenous to Savoie and genetically related to Syrah through a parent-offspring relationship with Mondeuse Blanche. It produces wines with deep purple color, vibrant acidity, and moderate tannins, with an aromatic profile centered on sour cherry, black pepper, and violet. At 13% ABV and coming from a cool continental climate, Suzanne stays fresh and food-driven rather than heavy.

Adrien Berlioz named this cuvee Suzanne after a person who shaped his life, following his practice of linking each wine to someone meaningful. The 2016 vintage shows the variety's characteristic peppery lift alongside bitter cherry and a savory, spice-driven mid-palate.