Grape Varieties: 40% Grenache Blanc, 20 % Clairette, 40% Roussanne
These grape varieties come from 2 different but complementary terroirs: the sandy soil "Mourre des Perdrix" and the soil "Brusquières"
Viticulture: Rigorous bud pruning. Furthermore, green harvesting and leaf thinning are done.
The picking is entirely by hand, with sorting in the vineyard and again in the cellar.
Vinification: manual harvest and sorting at the estate by vibrating table, destemming and crushing of the grapes.
Grenaches and Roussanne are aged 75% in stainless steel vats for seven months, with stirring on the lees. The rest is aged in new oak barrels for seven months, with regular batonnages.
Clairette stays 100 % in stainless steel vats for keeping fruit and freshness.
TASTING NOTE:
The nose is on fruits with yellow and white flesh, dominated by peach and exotic fruits. A few notes of vanilla and brioche bring an extra touch of fat. The richness of its mouth unfolds and ends with a mineral note.
I always love the white from this great estate, and the 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape Blanc doesn’t disappoint. Based on 40% each of Roussanne and Grenache Blanc, with the balance Clairette, it’s a medium to full-bodied, nicely concentrated, mineral-laced effort that has plenty of fruit yet stays pure, clean, and balanced. Drink it over the coming 4-5 years (and I suspect it will keep longer).
92 Points - Jeb Dunnuck –August 2019
A blend of 40% each Grenache Blanc and Roussanne with 20% Clairette, 20% of the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc was fermented in new oak barriques. Given the intensity of the fruit, it's barely noticeable this vintage, with tangerine, honey and anise flavors taking the lead. It's medium to full-bodied, with a crisp, lime zest finish.
92 Points - Joe Czerwinski – The Wine Advocate – August 2018
This offers up mirabelle plum, chamomile, yellow apple and green almond notes, imparting a distinctive profile, while a juicy, flattering feel through the finish brings you back for more. Grenache Blanc, Roussanne and Clairette. Drink now through 2022.
93 Points – Wine Spectator – Wine Insider August 7th 2019