A wonderfully expressive and generous red that lives up to its playful name, Gentil Monstre — the “Kind Monster”. The nose bursts with ripe cherry, wild strawberry and juicy plum, layered with cracked black pepper, subtle citrus zest and a delicate, meaty savouriness. The palate is plush and beautifully textured, with succulent red fruit, gentle spice and soft, supple tannins bringing an effortless sense of harmony. Beneath its inviting charm lies a more intriguing, savoury complexity, giving the wine depth without sacrificing its vibrant, easy-drinking character. Juicy, characterful and wonderfully versatile, this is a wine that brings serious pleasure without taking itself too seriously.

Winemaker | Étienne Seignovert

Region | Ardèche, Northern Rhône, France

Varieties | Syrah, Merlot

Style | Red

Viticulture | Organic farming

Soil | Decomposed granite

Altitude | Approximately 350 m

Age of the vines | Approximately 45 years (2024)

Production | 3,000 bottles

Vinification

Étienne's approach to Gentil Monstre centres on gentle extraction and minimal intervention, allowing the natural generosity of the fruit to shine through without sacrificing freshness or drinkability. Syrah provides aromatic depth and spice, while Merlot contributes softness and texture, with Gamay joining the blend in 2025 to bring an additional dimension of bright, juicy fruit. The individual varieties are handled differently according to their character, combining short macerations and direct pressing to achieve a beautifully balanced, supple red.

Vintage Variations

2024 | The Savoury & Structured Expression

A blend of Syrah and Merlot from approximately 45-year-old vines rooted in decomposed granite. The Syrah is gently crushed as whole bunches and macerated for seven days, while the Merlot is directly pressed. The wine ferments and matures for eight months in stainless steel before being bottled without fining, filtration or added sulphur. An expressive, savoury vintage with ripe cherry, fermented plum, black pepper and a subtle meaty complexity, balanced by juicy fruit and an elegant, rounded texture.

2025 | The Juicy & Playful Expression

Gamay joins Syrah and Merlot, introducing an extra layer of brightness and freshness to the blend. A portion of the fruit undergoes carbonic maceration, while the Merlot is directly pressed, before the wine matures in previously used oak barrels. The result is a generous yet wonderfully approachable expression, bursting with ripe red berries, gentle spice and succulent fruit. Supple, energetic and effortlessly drinkable, with an inviting freshness that makes it particularly suited to the table.