More and more exciting Southern Rhône whites are now hitting the market, the best of which are challenging perceptions and stereotypes as they go. Here’s another fabulous example with the kind of raciness, purity and minerality that we did not know was possible from this neck of the woods until recently. It's a blend of 40% Clairette, (planted in 1935), 30% Grenache Blanc, again from 1930s, and Roussanne (30%), from a beautiful plot planted in 1982 and surrounded by pine trees. Fermented without additions and raised in the Domaine's old concrete tanks.
The Roussanne really shines through at the moment with layers of creamy, exotic fruits as well as golden lees and almond notes with racy, pithy freshness that cuts through the richness beautifully. A rich, yet superbly defined, deep and textured dry white at a very fair price.