Domaine Garon Seyssuel Jardins de Rome Syrah 2019

This Northern Rhône Shiraz showcases the elegant, mineral-driven style that comes from schist soils and cooler climate viticulture. Unlike the bold, fruit-forward Australian expressions, this wine emphasises savoury complexity with black olive tapenade and subtle spice notes. The southwest-facing vineyards near Vienne create wines with more restraint and terroir expression, reflecting centuries of French winemaking tradition rather than New World power.

The 2019 vintage in the Northern Rhône was exceptional, producing wines with perfect balance between concentration and freshness. This vintage has earned a remarkable 94 points from Vinous, reflecting the ideal growing conditions that allowed the old vines to express their full potential. The combination of a great vintage and Domaine Garon's meticulous handpicking ensures this wine captures the essence of their historic terroir at its peak.

The wine's savoury profile with black olive and mineral notes makes it perfect for Mediterranean cuisine, particularly dishes with herbs de Provence, grilled lamb, or charcuterie. The medium body and textured palate complement rich stews, aged cheeses, and even game meats beautifully. Its mineral backbone from the schist soils also pairs wonderfully with earthy mushroom dishes or roasted vegetables with olive oil and herbs.

The predominantly schist soils from vineyards north of Vienne impart distinctive mineral complexity and elegant structure to this Shiraz. These ancient, decomposed rock formations provide excellent drainage while retaining enough moisture for the vines, creating wines with remarkable depth and longevity. The southwest exposure ensures optimal ripening while maintaining the natural acidity that gives Northern Rhône wines their renowned aging potential and food-friendly character.

The name 'Gardens of Rome' pays homage to the region's ancient viticultural history, as the Romans first planted vines in this area over 2000 years ago. This connects to Domaine Garon's own remarkable legacy dating back to 1475, making them one of France's oldest continuous family wine operations. The name reflects both the timeless quality of their winemaking approach and the renaissance-era traditions that continue to influence their philosophy of expressing terroir through minimal intervention.