Val Des Rois
Côtes du Rhône Blanc 2023
This complex and layered white wine comes from a single vineyard called La Lance at the northern border of Valréas. It is especially influenced by the mistral, which keeps things cold in the certified organic vineyard. As a blend of Roussanne, Grenache Blanc, Viognier, and Bourboulenc, this wine has an aromatic nose of citrus, exotic fruits, and white flowers. The creamy palate leads to a mouthwatering finish.
Vineyard
The vines in La Lance are about 55 years old and grow on soils that are a mix of limestone and clay. The vineyard is especially cold, and sits at 1,300 feet.
Winemaking
Grapes are de-stemmed and pressed and then cold settling. Fermentation occurs in stainless steel tanks at low temperatures to protect from oxidation. The wine is aged for 6 months in stainless steel before bottling.
Vintage
2023 was a strong vintage in the Southern Rhone. It stayed cool through the first few months of the year but warmed progressively through the spring and into the summer. There were some drought concerns early in the vintage, but rain eventually came.
Tasting Note
Intense aromas of citrus, tropical fruit and white flowers leap from the glass. There is a richness on the palate that is balanced by striking acidity, like a ripe piece of stone fruit.
Color
White
