Côtes du Rhône Blanc AOC 2023

The Côtes du Rhône blanc, the base wine from Vincent Rochette, is a cuvée made primarily from Grenache blanc and smaller proportions of Viognier, complemented by Clairette and Bourboulenc. The 20 to 30-year-old vines are planted in Buisson in a four-hectare vineyard characterised by clay and limestone in the subsoil and alluvial alluvium and gravel in the topsoil. The vineyard is exposed to the north-west and north-east and lies at an altitude of between 180 and 250 metres. The yield is around 30 hectolitres per hectare. The wine is fermented spontaneously and matures on the fine lees in stainless steel. The yeasts are regularly stirred to promote texture and complexity. 

Pale, bright straw yellow with light to green reflections

A floral, clear, but also Mediterranean nose comes rolling in. Bright flowers in the form of apple, almond and daisy characterise it. It is also characterised by nuts and seeds. Almonds, walnuts, fennel seeds and coriander seeds come to the fore. The fruit is characterised by pomaceous fruit, especially yellow apples and pears. This is complemented by cantaloupe melon, white peach and lime. Rosemary and sage add a refreshing touch.

It remains completely true to these impressions. At first, it is soft and floral. Elegant and uncomplicated at the same time. Its stony, almost salty character benefits from a striking, harmonious acidity structure. The fruit and flavour are similar to the nose. It demands restraint and yet is totally accessible. A full-bodied wine that can be savoured in large sips. It develops a very fine bitter note on the finish, which lingers wonderfully in nutty flavours.