Syrah la Première 750ml

Syrah La Première 2020 is the spicy invitation to the table: pepper, olive, ripe berry fruit and a hint of smoke combine to create a red wine that immediately whets the appetite. For over 100 years, Syrah has been at home in Valais – and here the variety shows its accessible, hearty side: clear, dry, characterful and with enough bite for grilling, cheese and good sauces.

On the nose, black pepper, violet, juniper, olives, dried herbs and a fine smoky note are evident. This is accompanied by blackberries, cassis, ripe plums and a touch of cocoa. The 2020 vintage already brings a lovely calm to the aromas: the fruit appears settled, the spice is present, and the wine stands firm and clean in the glass.

On the palate, it is dry, juicy and structured. The fruit remains ripe and clear, the acidity keeps it fresh, the tannins provide grip without being harsh. At 13.6% vol., it brings power to the kitchen, yet remains pleasantly drinkable and lively. In the aftertaste, pepper, olive, herbs, berry fruit and a fine mineral freshness linger.

Culinarily, this Syrah does not think of white tablecloths, but of plates with aroma and depth: grilled skewers with herbs, sliced beef in pepper sauce, roast pork with plum jus, lentil ragout with saucisson, polenta with mushrooms, baked potatoes with mountain cheese or a Raclette d’Alpage with pepper and pickled vegetables.

Serving suggestion: enjoy at around 14 °C. A round glass and a bit of air bring together pepper, olive and ripe fruit beautifully.

A Syrah for knife, sauce and pepper aroma – hearty enough for the grill, precise enough for a second glance and far too good to just sip on the side.