Chatons De Garde 2022

The "guardian kittens" — that's what the name means, after the cats that roam Calek's estate in Alba-la-Romaine. Don't let the name fool you: this is his serious Syrah, aged in old Burgundy barrels, built for the table.

What is Chatons de Garde by Andrea Calek?

Andrea Calek has farmed his 5-hectare estate in the southern Ardèche completely chemical-free since 2007, trained under Gérald Oustric — the man who put Ardèche natural wine on the map. The Syrah vines for this cuvée Chatons de Garde are between 25 and 55 years old, planted in calcareous clay soils. Whole bunches go into tank for a 21-day carbonic maceration, then the wine spends 10 months in old 228-litre Burgundy barrels. No sulphites. No fining. No filtration.

The 13% weighted 2022 sits comfortably between approachability and structure — easier-going than many a northern Rhône Syrah, but with real bones underneath.

Olive tapenade and dark forest berries on the nose, with vanilla threading through from the old oak. The palate opens into plum, black pepper, and a long mineral finish. There's a fluidity here that marks Calek's style throughout — tannic but never heavy, structured but never stern.

Pairs brilliantly with slow-roasted lamb, duck confit, or a serious charcuterie spread. Will continue to develop in bottle through 2027. FINISH IN ONE SITTING, as this zero zero wine will not hold overnight.