Syrah Non Expedit, Elio Ottin 2021

At Whitfield WInes' most recent tasting, this rich energetic complex Syrah from the foothills of the Alps was described by an oenophile as the 'wine of the night'.

The Syrah Non Expedit by Elio Ottin of Vallée d'Aoste fame is new to these shores, and is sure to be a big hit on restaurant lists around the capital.  

Elio Ottin only started bottling his own wines in 2007, having previously sold all his grapes, but already he and his son have risen to the very pinnacle of this beautiful mountain region.

Alongside grapes, they still keep a herd of cows (from which they make delicious cheese) and they grow apples for the local cooperative. They make  a crystalline, delicious expression of Pinot Noir(also availlable on Whitfield Wines) and this Syrah, wow. 

in terms of style I would say its most similar to a modern Cornas from Northern Rhône - it has that level of intensity and fruit ripeness - though still pure and fresh and without the layered oak that many of them carry. Importantly though its about half the price of a half decent Cornas!

Incredible given the vines have just produced their first vintage.