Inspired by Philippe Villiers de l’Isle Adam, the French Grand Master warrior-knight who took over Malta in 1530 after the loss of Rhodes to the Ottoman Empire.
This robust blend of Syrah with Cabernet Franc typically conveys forest-fruit on the nose with undertones of tobacco, black and bell pepper. Up until 2019, the Syrah to Cabernet Franc blend was 70% to 30%, this has since changed to 65% to 35%, the more recent vintages arguably more exotic.
The vines were mostly planted in 2003 and the yield is restricted to up to 1.8kg per vine for the Syrah and up to 1.6kg per vine for the Cabernet Franc.
This wine is best stored and served at a temperature of 18°C and complements strong meat dishes, stews, and lightly spiced aromatic food.
From experimental vintages dating back since 2006, it is not unreasonable to expect this wine to age at least 10 years, we trust that some vintages will last a few decades. Circa 12,000 bottles are produced annually depending on yield and weather conditions.
Decanting one hour prior to consumption is recommended.
Owners' Tasting Notes
Due to the heavy humidity at night in late August 2017, we decided to harvest the Syrah early in September alongside the Cabernet Franc: this to mitigate the risk of downy mildew setting in the intensely compact bunches of our Syrah clones. The fruit was already ripe and the sugar enough to yield 13.5% alcohol by volume.
Compared to older vintages of this blend, albeit still very young, this vintage is open, forthcoming, well-rounded and ready to drink. This said, its length in the mouth and structure augur that it will age with grace for at least a decade. It carries forest-fruit and plum on the nose with a subtle undertone of anise which tends to grow wild on this terroir. The spice of the Cabernet Franc comes through the ripe fruit of the Syrah.
As I taste this wine, I think moderately spiced lamb tagine, truffle, mushroom and gorgonzola risotto, roasted pumpkin, beef stew, BBQ…
Vintage: Philippe Villiers 2017
Tasting: May 2019
Tasted by: Juanito Camilleri, Estate Owner
Sommelier's Tasting Notes
Round, ripe, velvety with a great finesse. Beautiful fruit flavours (ripe strawberries and prune) with extremely soft/integrated tannins. Good balance already, very pleasant to drink!
Vintage: Philippe Villiers 2017
Tasting: June 2019
Tasted by: Fabien Etienne, Sommelier & Wine and Services Consultant
Falstaff’s Tasting Notes
Vibrant ruby red in colour with a bright core. On the nose, initial aromas of graphite and leather give way to blackberry, rosehip, and dried fruit, with a distinct aftertaste of savoury pepper. The palate has polished tannins and gently creamy development, with a clear fruit core and notable drive, the tannins slightly drying on the finish.
Vintage: Philippe Villiers 2017
Rating: 93 points
Tasting: Online Tasting Italien 6/2022
Tasted by: Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler
Dark ruby red in colour. On the nose initial aromas of iron, dried tomato and white pepper give way to beautifully compact notes of ripe berry fruit, blackberry, graphite and a touch of dark chocolate. The textured palate is well balanced and flavourful with tightly woven, velvety tannins and plenty of finesse, finishing with elegance, persistence, and nice length.
Vintage: Philippe Villiers 2018
Rating: 95 points
Tasting: Online Tasting Italien 6/2022
Tasted by: Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler
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Read Moreour roots, Passion & Vision
Ta’ Betta Wine Estate comprises of 4 hectares of terraced land situated circa 200 metres above sea-level in an area known as the Contrada ta’ Brija in Girgenti limits of Siġġiewi, Malta.
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