In the glass
Aroma: eucalyptus, cedar, ripe black fruit, vanilla
Palate: dark berry, spice, cedar, structured tannin
Pure Syrah of Domaine Pierre Cros aged 18 months in barrel; intense ripe fruit transporting through eucalyptus and cedar with delicate vanilla notes. Coup de Coeur Hachette seven times.
What it pairs with
-
Roast beef with bordelaise sauce
Syrah's cedar and structure carry the deep beef and red wine reduction. -
Smoked brisket
Eucalyptus and ripe fruit match the smoky meat. -
Aged sheep cheese
Hard-cheese richness contrasts the wine's cedar and vanilla.
History
Les Aspres is the pure Syrah cuvée of Domaine Pierre Cros, awarded the Coup de Coeur (heart's choice) from the prestigious Guide Hachette seven times in twenty years.
- 2000 — First vintage of Les Aspres
- 2022 — Most recent Coup de Coeur Hachette award
Facts
- Producer
- Domaine Pierre Cros
- Grapes
- Syrah (100%)
- Classification
- AOC Minervois
- Oak
- 18 months in French oak barriques
- ABV
- 14.5%
- Price
- EUR 24-36 at retail
- Drinking window
- 4-14 from vintage
- First vintage
- 2000
- Vegan
- Yes (no animal-derived fining)
Frequently asked about Les Aspres
What does Pierre Cros Les Aspres taste like?
Eucalyptus, cedar, ripe black fruit and vanilla on the nose; dark berry, spice, cedar and structured tannin on the palate. Full-bodied with firm tannins and a long finish.
When should I drink Pierre Cros Les Aspres?
Drink between 4 and 14 years from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 90 minutes of decanting; the wine reaches its peak at 7-11 years.
What grapes are in Les Aspres?
One hundred percent Syrah aged 18 months in French oak barriques. Coup de Coeur Guide Hachette seven times.
What food pairs with Pierre Cros Les Aspres?
Roast beef with bordelaise sauce is the canonical pairing; Syrah's cedar and structure carry the deep beef and red-wine reduction. Smoked brisket and aged sheep cheese are equally strong matches.