Our wines
Rarissime White
Vin de Pays de l'Hérault 2016
very old Grenache Gris vines (1958)
a terroir of blue and ochre schist
simple vinification and maturing in new casks
suave elegance
Location
Found right in the middle of the Faugères appellation, our vineyards cover just over 20 hectares on the foothills of the Cévennes looking down on the village of Laurens. The vines, lying in an ideal spot at an altitude of 180 metres, are between 30 and 60 years old and naturally produce low yields.
Grape Variety
100% Grenache Gris : the vines are over 60 years old.
Soil
The soil is dominated by the sandstone schist of Laurens-Cabrières, like the neighbouring areas of the Faugères hills. This type of soil presents a fragile structure which is slightly acidic and can be difficult for the vines, but when treated with adapted cultivation methods, provides well balanced vines.
Climate in 2016
The originality of this vintage stems from the serious drought which lasted most of the year with a summer peak made even drier by the Tramontane wind which blew from June to September. They impacted the yield and overall production dropped by 20%. Short spells of rainfall on 14th and 15th September contributed a little freshness to the later ripening varieties such as the Grenache and Mourvèdre.
Pruning and yield
Double Cordon de Royat pruning for low yields of 30 hl/ha.
Vinification
Hand harvested with parcel selection for the ripest grapes on August 29.
Immediate pressing and controlled temperatures.
Vinification in new oak barrels. Aged on fine lees for 7 months with regular stirring.
We have produced 4,300 bottles of this exceptional vintage.
Tasting notes
This Rarissime white is rare indeed, but after all, this makes it an all the more enticing pleasure !
The colour is pale yet bright, with a green hue.
The bouquet offers notes of spices, pepper and vanilla, intermingling with hints of pear and fresh pineapple. Very aromatic and tonic balance, which is conveyed onto the palate with power and clarity. This impression lingers deliciously after tasting.
This is definitely a wine for full hearted enjoyment and, as Thierry’s grandfather used to say, ‘it goes down well’. A wonderful and fine Mediterranean wine with a hint of a northern accent..
Serving suggestions, gastronomic alliance
A perfect partner for sushi and rabbit terrine !
