Chateau Odyssee Red Blend, Pierre Graffeuille

Pierre Graffeuille and Matthieu Dumarcher have been friends since school.  This lasting partnership, fuelled by a passion for winemaking, led to the creation of the Rhône Project and the flagship wine – Odyssée. Both Matthieu and Pierre dreamed of creating a beautiful wine that married both terroirs from the Rhône and Haut Médoc.  Initially Odyssée used Syrah from the Northern Rhône in the blend with Cabernet Sauvignon from the Haut Médoc in its inaugural 2015 vintage.  Though both the Rhône Valley and the Médoc are separated by a great distance, the varietals local to each area go fantastically well together.  Each vintage of Odyssée is a harmonious union of both the energy and tannin from rustic Old Vine Cabernet Sauvignon, coupled with the charm and drinkability of Southern Rhône Valley wines. Pierre brings his extensive knowledge as a vigneron working for Léoville Las Cases.  Conversely, the Rhône vines are grown in a portion of the Rhône between the Châteauneuf de Pape and Gigondas AOCs.  The process for making Odyssée is all about the ethos of a, “double vintage.”  Both Matthieu and Pierre understand that a great year in the Médoc does not necessarily equate to a great year in the Northern Rhône, and vice versa.  Each year, only the best lots are chosen to produce an appellation-less great terroir wine, and a mere 6,983 bottles were produced for the 2017 vintage.  Odyssée is truly a special project, capturing both the treasures of the Rhône and Médoc.